Why Was Rs 59 Lakh Worth of Liquor Crushed in Vadodara?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a dramatic enforcement move, authorities in Vadodara crushed Rs 59 lakh worth of liquor under a road roller, as part of an ongoing battle against illegal alcohol trade. This action reflects Gujarat's strict anti-liquor laws and the state's commitment to maintaining its status as a prohibition region, despite ongoing challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Authorities in Vadodara crushed Rs 59 lakh worth of liquor.
- The operation was conducted under a court order.
- Gujarat maintains strict prohibition laws.
- Public destruction of seized liquor aims to deter illegal trade.
- Previous incidents highlight ongoing challenges in combating bootlegging.
Vadodara, May 21 (NationPress) Liquor worth Rs 59 lakh that was confiscated from various police stations under DCP Zone-1 was obliterated by a road roller in the Koyali region of the city.
This decisive action was executed following a court directive from Vadodara allowing the disposal of seized liquor accumulated at police stations in Gorwa, Nandesari, Jawahar Nagar, Fatehganj, Sayajigunj, Laxmipura, and Chhani. The crushed inventory featured hundreds of bottles of both Indian and foreign-made liquor.
Key officials, including the local Mamlatdar, witnessed the operation. The liquor was spread across the road, and a road roller was maneuvered over the bottles, smashing them into fragments and foam in a symbolic gesture against the illegal liquor trade.
Gujarat's strict prohibition regulations have resulted in frequent confiscations and public destruction of illegal liquor statewide.
These actions aim to discourage illegal alcohol commerce and reinforce the state's commitment to maintaining its reputation as a 'dry' region.
In December 2024, Valsad police demolished over 7.19 lakh bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 10 crore as part of a Swachh Bharat initiative.
In a similar vein, in October 2021, authorities in Ahmedabad crushed 12,384 IMFL bottles valued at Rs 73 lakh using a road roller in the Gota area.
In January 2022, Vadodara city police dismantled 60,003 bottles and cans of IMFL worth Rs 1.07 crore, seized from four police stations over the course of a year.
However, these efforts have not completely eradicated the illicit liquor issue. In July 2022, a tragic event in the Botad district led to at least 42 fatalities and over 97 hospitalizations due to methanol poisoning from counterfeit liquor.
Investigations uncovered that the toxic alcohol was illegally procured and distributed by bootleggers, resulting in numerous arrests.
In October 2021, Kamrej police uncovered 3,221 IMFL bottles in a Surat sub-jail, with 1,678 bottles traced back to a batch that was supposedly destroyed under a road roller in August of that year. This incident led the Gujarat High Court to mandate an investigation into the situation.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the complexities surrounding Gujarat's prohibition laws. While these measures signify a strong stance against illegal alcohol trade, incidents like the tragic methanol poisoning reveal the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement. The balance between strict enforcement and addressing the underlying causes of bootlegging remains essential for sustainable solutions.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the value of the liquor destroyed in Vadodara?
The liquor destroyed in Vadodara was valued at Rs 59 lakh.
Why was the liquor destroyed?
The destruction of liquor was authorized by a Vadodara court order permitting the disposal of seized alcohol.
What methods were used to destroy the liquor?
The liquor was crushed using a road roller, reducing the bottles to shards and foam.
What is the goal of these destruction efforts?
These efforts aim to deter illegal alcohol trade and reinforce Gujarat's commitment to being a 'dry' region.
Have these measures been effective in curbing illegal liquor trade?
While these measures are significant, incidents of illegal liquor trade continue, highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcement.
