Vadodara, March 24 (NationPress) In a significant operation against unlawful alcohol consumption, Panigate Police executed a raid at a hotel in Vadodara, Gujarat, leading to the arrest of six individuals, including the establishment's owner, for breaching prohibition laws.

Following a tip-off, the police team targeted Torana Hotel, located near Mohammad Talav in the Panigate area, where a liquor gathering was underway.

Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered six individuals partaking in alcohol consumption. The apprehended include Narayan Baburao Dhandhamore, the hotel owner, along with five others—Mehul Nareshbhai Joshi, Jigar Rajeshrao Kable, Prashant Harshadbhai Dhumal, Himanshu Anilbhai Joshi, and Rohit Manoharbhai Dhumal.

Moreover, two additional suspects, Dharmesh Mali and Abhay Yadav, are currently wanted in connection with this incident. Police confiscated liquor bottles and related items valued at Rs 150 from the site. The accused have been charged under the Prohibition Act at Panigate Police Station, with ongoing investigations aimed at identifying the liquor's source and any potential connections to larger distribution networks.

In February 2025, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) executed a major operation at a farmhouse in Surat during Holi celebrations, resulting in the confiscation of liquor worth Rs 33 lakh.

An official stated that the SMC's proactive initiatives highlight the state's commitment to enforcing prohibition laws.

In March 2025, the Jarod Police targeted an open area near Vadodara's rural belt, arresting seven individuals, including a Gujarat Reserve Police (GRD) jawan, for participating in an illegal liquor gathering.

In January 2025, authorities in Mehsana district uncovered a secret operation producing counterfeit foreign liquor, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over 100 litres of fake alcohol.

Investigations indicated that the illicit liquor was produced using a blend of chemicals and marketed under well-known brands.

Between January and June 2024, the SMC conducted 224 raids throughout Gujarat, with 180 yielding successful outcomes. These operations resulted in the confiscation of liquor worth approximately Rs 11.5 crore and other illegal goods valued at Rs 26 crore.

Ahmedabad emerged as a central area, recording a high volume of cases despite the long-standing prohibition.

In another major operation, authorities seized illegal alcohol worth Rs 1.5 crore in coordinated raids across Vadodara, Rajkot, and Morbi districts. These actions not only disrupted supply chains but also unveiled new smuggling routes, particularly from Goa to Gujarat.