Delhi police bust illicit liquor den in Sangam Vihar, seize 16 cartons of Haryana-mark stock
Synopsis
Delhi's Anti-Narcotics Squad intercepted a repeat offender in Sangam Vihar with 16 cartons of liquor cleared only for Haryana sale — a reminder that inter-state liquor smuggling into the capital remains a persistent enforcement challenge. Police are now chasing the supply chain behind the haul.
Key Takeaways
The Anti-Narcotics Squad, South District Police arrested bootlegger Ajay (42) in Sangam Vihar, New Delhi on 24 July 2026 .
16 cartons of Haryana-mark liquor — including country liquor, whisky, and beer — were seized from his residence.
293/2026 was registered under Section 33 of the Delhi Excise Act at Police Station Sangam Vihar .
The accused has a prior excise offence on record at the same police station.
Investigation is ongoing to identify the supply source and dismantle the broader distribution network.
The Anti-Narcotics Squad of South District Police, Delhi arrested a bootlegger and seized 16 cartons of Haryana-marked illicit liquor from his residence in Sangam Vihar, New Delhi on 24 July 2026, following a tip-off about illegal storage and supply in the area. The accused, identified as Ajay (42), son of Chhotu Lal, was apprehended near F-2nd Block, Sangam Vihar, while allegedly carrying contraband outside his home.
What Was Seized
The recovered consignment comprised 321 quarters (six cartons) of Masaledar Desi Sharab labelled 'For Sale in Haryana Only', 227 quarters (five cartons) of whisky, 36 bottles (three cartons) of beer, and 47 beer cans (two cartons) — totalling 16 cartons of liquor products authorised for sale only within Haryana. All seized goods were recovered from the accused's residence during a subsequent search.
How the Operation Unfolded
On 24 July 2026, the Anti-Narcotics Squad received specific intelligence about the illegal storage and distribution of Haryana-mark liquor in Sangam Vihar. A team led by Inspector Mahender Dahiya, In-Charge of the Anti-Narcotics Squad, laid a trap near F-2nd Block and intercepted Ajay as he allegedly stepped out with the contraband. The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of ACP/Operations, South District, Rituraj.
The team included Head Constable Manish, Head Constable Jaldhari, Head Constable Mukesh, Head Constable Jaiveer, and Constable Lokesh. Following the arrest, all necessary legal formalities were completed before the accused was taken into custody.
Legal Action and Prior Record
A case was registered under the Delhi Excise Act — FIR No. 293/2026, dated 24 July 2026, under Section 33 of the Act, at Police Station Sangam Vihar. According to police records, Ajay was previously involved in a similar excise offence registered at the same police station, making this a repeat violation.
Investigation Status and Broader Crackdown
During interrogation, it was revealed that the accused had allegedly been stocking Haryana-mark liquor at his residence and supplying it illegally across Delhi for financial gain, in violation of the Delhi Excise Act. Police are now working to trace the source of the contraband, dismantle the supply network, and identify other individuals involved in the racket. The intelligence-led operation is part of ongoing efforts by South District Police to curb the illegal liquor trade in the capital.
Point of View
But the pattern it reflects is not. Haryana-mark liquor turning up in Delhi residences points to a structured cross-border supply chain that individual arrests rarely dismantle. The accused's prior excise record at the same police station raises questions about whether earlier action was followed through with adequate supply-chain investigation. Intelligence-led interceptions are necessary but insufficient — without tracing the distributor and source, the trade simply routes around the gap.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Sangam Vihar liquor bust?
Delhi's Anti-Narcotics Squad arrested a bootlegger named Ajay on 24 July 2026 and seized 16 cartons of Haryana-mark illicit liquor from his residence in Sangam Vihar. The liquor — comprising country liquor, whisky, and beer — was authorised for sale only in Haryana and was allegedly being sold illegally in Delhi.
What charges have been filed against the accused?
FIR No. 293/2026 was registered under Section 33 of the Delhi Excise Act at Police Station Sangam Vihar, dated 24 July 2026. The accused, Ajay (42), was arrested after all legal formalities were completed.
What exactly was recovered during the operation?
Police recovered 321 quarters (six cartons) of Masaledar Desi Sharab, 227 quarters (five cartons) of whisky, 36 bottles (three cartons) of beer, and 47 beer cans (two cartons) — totalling 16 cartons of Haryana-mark liquor products.
Does the accused have a prior criminal record?
Yes. Police records indicate that Ajay was previously involved in a similar case registered under the Delhi Excise Act at Sangam Vihar Police Station, making this a repeat offence.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Investigation is ongoing. Police are working to trace the source of the contraband, identify others in the supply chain, and dismantle the broader distribution network behind the illegal liquor trade in the area.
