Contraband Liquor Worth Rs 99 Lakh Destroyed in Gujarat's Sabarkantha
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 21, illicit liquor valued at approximately Rs 99 lakh was seized and destroyed in Sabarkantha, Gujarat. This operation resulted in the confiscation of 47,643 bottles of foreign liquor across various police divisions, demonstrating the state's commitment to enforcing prohibition laws.
Key Takeaways
- Illicit liquor worth Rs 99 lakh destroyed.
- A total of 47,643 bottles seized across multiple cases.
- Destruction took place under strict supervision.
- Gujarat continues to see significant illegal liquor operations.
- Previous seizures highlight the ongoing fight against contraband.
Sabarkantha, March 21 (NationPress) Contraband liquor valued at around Rs 99 lakh was confiscated and destroyed in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district.
A total of 47,643 bottles of foreign liquor were seized across 220 cases filed in four police stations under the Himmatnagar division.
Following stringent security protocols, the seized liquor was stored in various locations before its destruction.
On Thursday, the contraband was taken to the outskirts of Virpur village on the Himmatnagar-Idar road, where it was destroyed in the presence of officials.
In Himmatnagar A-Division, 105 cases led to the seizure of 25,409 bottles amounting to Rs 61,11,750. The Himmatnagar B-Division noted 30 cases with 2,164 bottles confiscated, valued at Rs 4,11,962. The Himmatnagar Rural Police Station reported 16 cases, resulting in the confiscation of 4,748 bottles worth Rs 12,29,128.
Meanwhile, in the Gambhoi Police Station, 74 cases resulted in the confiscation of 18,002 bottles valued at Rs 27,44,465. This extensive operation culminated in a total seizure of 47,643 bottles of illegal liquor.
The disposal of the confiscated alcohol was conducted under strict supervision. The process took place at Virpur village with the presence of DYSP A.K. Patel, PI R.T. Udavat, PSI A.B. Shah, PSI H.R. Herbha, and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate.
A bulldozer was utilized to crush the bottles, ensuring complete destruction.
To prevent foul odors from dispersing, personnel from the Fire Department sprayed water over the debris.
Gujarat, known for its strict prohibition laws, has seen numerous incidents of illicit liquor seizures in recent years. In January 2019, the Vadodara crime branch intercepted a significant consignment of contraband liquor valued at around Rs 15 lakh.
The operation revealed 318 cartons containing 3,816 bottles of foreign-made liquor hidden behind sacks of wheat grain in a truck.
The total value of the seized items, including the vehicle, exceeded Rs 31 lakh.
In December 2020, Vadodara police destroyed over 33,000 bottles of foreign-made liquor, estimated to be valued at around Rs 88 lakh. These bottles had been seized between March 2018 and October 2020.
In January, authorities in Vadodara intercepted a tempo in the Chanod area, leading to the confiscation of illegal foreign liquor valued at Rs 25.83 lakh.
This operation also resulted in the seizure of cash, mobile phones, and vehicles, bringing the total value of seized goods to Rs 39.31 lakh.
In August 2023, a troubling incident took place at the Piplod police station in Dahod, where 23 boxes of seized liquor were reported missing.
