MTLT alarmed over threats to Mokokchung’s economy after liquor smuggling bust

The Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has expressed grave concern over reports of “market manipulation” and illegal activities allegedly involving a businessman who owns multiple enterprises in the town.

The issue surfaced after Mokokchung Police, on April 2, 2025, seized a truck bearing registration number NL 02 Q 6311, reportedly owned by Mohan Ram Bhadu. Bhadu, who operates multiple trucks and runs two hardware stores — Anuradha Hardware (Arkong Ward) and Matsung Hardware (Aolijen, Ungma) — is alleged to be involved in smuggling activities. The police recovered a “huge consignment of illegal liquor” hidden among hardware goods during the seizure. Two employees of Bhadu, identified as truck driver Dev Raj and salesman Mahesh Siyag, were taken into custody for their roles in the smuggling operation.

However, what has particularly drawn the attention of the MTLT is the businessman’s alleged “market price manipulation” in Mokokchung, a concern that was earlier flagged by the Mokokchung District Truck Owners Association (MDTOA) and reported in sections of the local media.

According to the MDTOA, Bhadu, a registered member of the association, had been “rigging truck fares” and “selling hardware items at prices lower than market rates,” thereby adversely affecting the local economy. It is “reliably learnt” that Bhadu had been engaging in predatory pricing — a practice prohibited under Section 4(2)(a)(ii) of the Competition Act, 2002 — wherein products are sold below cost to eliminate competition.

In light of the allegations, the MTLT has strongly condemned what it termed the “self-serving practices” of businessman Mohan Ram Bhadu. Describing itself as a proactive stakeholder in Mokokchung society, the MTLT said it has consistently advocated for a “vibrant local economy” built on “fair and healthy competition” between local and non-local business owners alike.

“Thus far, it was felt that the Mokokchung town economy, despite the many hurdles and challenges, was moving in the right direction and showing significant progress. However, the actions of Mr. Bhadu clearly undermine the existence of a fair market and he should be censured by all,” the organization said.

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The MTLT further warned that “cheating in business matters” carries “long-term ramifications” for the town’s economy and affirmed that it would “not tolerate any form of market manipulation.”

Commending the Mokokchung Police for their seizure of the contraband, the MTLT urged law enforcement agencies to take necessary actions as per the law. It also called upon the Public Prosecutor to investigate whether the businessman in question, Bhadu, has violated the Indian law under Section 4(2)(a)(ii) of the Competition Act, 2002 and press charge if found to have violated the Law.

Additionally, the MTLT appealed to the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) to conduct an independent inquiry into the extent of the economic damage caused by Bhadu’s alleged actions. “If found culpable of an illegal act, the MMC should immediately revoke his trade license and even pursue legal prosecution under relevant section of the law,” it said.

The MTLT also appealed to the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), the largest stakeholder in the town’s economy, to check actions that are detrimental to the growth of the town.

Further, the MTLT said it “deeply believes” that Bhadu’s nefarious activities were facilitated by the “half-dead” Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act which allowed him to earn huge profits from his bootlegging business and recover the apparent losses in his legitimate hardware business.

“It is high time for the public of Mokokchung to open their eyes and seriously ponder whether the NLTP Act needs a serious review by the State government given the fact that bootlegging is a crime that could not be checked in our State despite all efforts. The more worrying question is whether bootlegging due to the NLTP Act which directly or indirectly encouraging business malpractices as highlighted by the actions of Mr. Bhadu”.

The MTLT concluded by affirming that it would continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that any further acts detrimental to the public’s welfare and economic well-being “shall not be tolerated.”

MCCI calls for thorough probe
Meanwhile, the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) also issued a statement regarding the same incident. Referring to Mokokchung Police’s official statement (No. MDP/CB-76(A)2025-26/1159 dated April 9, 2025), the MCCI pointed out that while the police had arrested the truck driver, Dev Raj, and another individual, Mahesh Siyag, media reports have suggested that the owner of the truck, Mohan Ram Bhadu, had also been implicated by the Mokokchung District Truck Owners Association (MDTOA).

The MCCI said that, although the initial police report did not name Bhadu as an accused, the concerns raised by the MDTOA warranted “serious attention.” It urged the authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and to “clarify all doubts so that justice prevails and the case is brought to its logical conclusion.”

MT