Was a Liquor Shipment Worth Rs 75 Lakh En Route to Bihar Seized in Lucknow?
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Synopsis
A stunning crackdown by the Uttar Pradesh STF has led to the seizure of a massive liquor shipment worth Rs 75 lakh, destined for Bihar's Assembly elections. With one arrest made, the authorities are now on the hunt for the rest of the smuggling gang. Find out more about this major operation.
Key Takeaways
- The STF apprehended a member of an inter-state liquor smuggling ring.
- 575 boxes of IMFL were seized in Lucknow.
- The liquor shipment was valued at Rs 75 lakh.
- The operation was part of efforts to combat illegal liquor use during elections.
- Officials are investigating other members of the smuggling gang.
Lucknow, Nov 1 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has apprehended a member of an inter-state liquor smuggling ring and confiscated 575 boxes of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) from a truck on the Kisan Path in Lucknow.
The value of the seized liquor is approximately Rs 75 lakh.
As per the STF's findings, this shipment was being transported to Darbhanga in Bihar via Chandigarh and was allegedly intended for use during the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
The individual arrested has been identified as Vishvendra, a resident of Chimni village under the Beri police station in Jhajjar district of Haryana.
Following a tip-off, the STF established a checkpoint in the PGI police station area and stopped a container truck bearing a fake number plate. Upon inspection, liquor cartons were discovered concealed among bags of urea fertilizer. Additionally, a mobile device was retrieved from the truck.
The operation was overseen by STF Deputy Superintendent of Police Vimal Kumar Singh, with support from Inspector Mahabir Singh. The team comprised Inspectors Deepak Singh, Rizwan, Munsif Amin Shamsher Singh, Bhupendra Singh, and constables Ankit Singh and Ankit Pandey.
Officials stated that while patrolling Lucknow, the STF received reliable information about a liquor-laden truck. With assistance from local police, the truck was successfully surrounded and halted.
During questioning, the accused admitted to being involved in a smuggling operation orchestrated by Sonu Rathi, Gurneet Singh Gogia, and Atul. This gang has been trafficking liquor from Haryana and Punjab to Bihar through Chandigarh.
A concealed compartment was ingeniously constructed inside the truck—one side filled with 210 fertilizer sacks and the other with cartons of liquor from various brands. The shipment was destined for a contact in Darbhanga as per the gang's directives. The accused disclosed that he received Rs 1 lakh for each delivery.
Initial investigations suggest that the confiscated liquor was intended for illegal purposes during the Bihar elections, where liquor smuggling persists despite the state's prohibition.
A case has been filed at the PGI police station in Lucknow, and STF officials mentioned that they are working to locate other gang members and intensify efforts against such smuggling activities.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the persistent issue of liquor smuggling in states like Bihar, especially during election seasons. The STF's vigilant actions underscore the importance of law enforcement in combating such illicit activities, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining the integrity of democratic processes.
NationPress
03/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the value of the seized liquor?
The seized liquor is estimated to be worth around Rs 75 lakh.
Who was arrested in connection with the liquor smuggling?
The arrested individual has been identified as Vishvendra, a resident of Chimni village in Haryana.
Where was the liquor shipment headed?
The liquor was being transported to Darbhanga in Bihar.
What was the purpose of the liquor shipment?
The liquor was reportedly intended for use during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
How many boxes of liquor were seized?
A total of 575 boxes of Indian-made foreign liquor were confiscated.
