Gujarat: Illegal Foreign Liquor Worth Rs 65 Lakh Seized in Vadodara, Two Arrested

Synopsis

Authorities in Gujarat seized illegal foreign liquor worth Rs 65.18 lakh in Vadodara. Two individuals were arrested, while four remain wanted. The operation highlights ongoing efforts against illicit liquor trade in a dry state where significant crackdowns have been executed.

Key Takeaways

Seizure of illegal liquor valued at Rs 65.18 lakh.
Two arrests made; four individuals declared wanted.
Operation exposed illicit liquor trade in Vadodara.
Gujarat's Prohibition Act has led to frequent crackdowns.
Authorities continue to investigate smuggling networks.

Vadodara, March 6 (NationPress) The Gujarat State Monitoring Cell executed a crackdown in the area of Manjusar Police Station, located in Vadodara district, resulting in the confiscation of a significant cache of unlawful foreign liquor valued at Rs 65.18 lakh.

As a result of the operation, two suspects were taken into custody, while four others have been marked as wanted. The State Monitoring Cell has conducted numerous operations targeting the illegal liquor trade and gambling activities in both urban and rural parts of Vadodara, frequently highlighting the inaction of local law enforcement.

Following a tip-off, officials conducted a raid in a private complex's parking area in Manjusar village, where they found a truck loaded with liquor boxes.

Upon inspection, they uncovered a substantial consignment of foreign liquor estimated at Rs 44 lakh inside the truck. In addition to the liquor, authorities confiscated a truck, mobile devices, and cash, bringing the total value of seized items to Rs 65.18 lakh.

Two individuals, identified as Shuklal Dipalalji Dangi (32) and Dolatram Hariram Dangi (43), both hailing from Udaipur, Rajasthan, were apprehended.

Additionally, four individuals, including the primary accused, Shailesh Singh (a supplier from Goa), along with a partner in the operation and truck owner Takht Singh (from Udaipur, Rajasthan), have been declared wanted.

The investigation remains ongoing to locate and capture the remaining suspects, with further actions anticipated against the illicit liquor smuggling networks in the area. Gujarat, being a dry state under the Prohibition Act, has experienced routine crackdowns on illegal liquor smuggling.

In recent years, law enforcement bodies, including the State Monitoring Cell, local police, and the Crime Branch, have executed numerous raids, seizing significant quantities of both foreign and country-made liquor.

Throughout 2023 alone, authorities have confiscated illegal liquor valued at over Rs 200 crore statewide, with major operations occurring in districts such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.

Smugglers frequently utilize highways, coastal routes, and concealed storage facilities in industrial regions to transport liquor from adjacent states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Daman.