Vadodara Authorities Demolish Illegal Structures Linked to Female Bootlegger
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Synopsis
In Vadodara, Gujarat, authorities have launched a demolition campaign against illegal structures linked to a female bootlegger, Firozabanu. This operation is part of a larger statewide initiative aimed at combating anti-social activities, with a focus on removing unlawful encroachments and addressing the ongoing issue of bootlegging in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Demolition operation executed against illegal encroachments.
- Firozabanu linked to multiple cases under the Prohibition Act.
- Significant female participation in bootlegging.
- Authorities confiscated liquor valued at Rs 20 crore in 2023.
- Amendments to Prohibition Act empower government actions.
Vadodara, March 21 (NationPress) In a decisive move, the authorities in Vadodara, Gujarat, executed a demolition operation targeting illegal encroachments associated with a female bootlegger. Under strict police protection, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation dismantled unauthorized structures outside the home of Firozabanu and her son, Sultan Ajmeri, in the Santosh Nagar region of Tandaljar, officials reported on Friday.
This initiative is part of a larger statewide effort aimed at combating anti-social elements initiated by the government.
As part of this operation, officials began by compiling a list of notorious offenders, followed by the removal of their unlawful encroachments. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abhay Soni informed the press that Firozabanu has several cases filed against her under the Prohibition Act and had previously been detained under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act.
He mentioned that the bootlegger had illegally occupied municipal land adjacent to her residence in Santosh Nagar, prompting police action for the removal of the encroachment. “We are systematically eliminating illegal encroachments. Just yesterday, a similar operation was executed against two bootleggers in Atladara, and today, we are addressing the situation in Tandalja. Town planning officials are collaborating in this operation to ensure that the removal process adheres to legal protocols,” stated DCP Soni.
Municipal officer Mehul Solanki indicated that prior notifications had been issued regarding the unlawful sheds and platforms outside the residence. These structures have now been demolished, and further actions concerning the main building will be taken after legal notices are served.
“For now, we are proceeding based on police recommendations at designated sites. A more extensive drive will follow to eliminate any remaining encroachments in the vicinity,” Solanki added.
Despite Gujarat’s long-standing ban on alcohol, the state continues to face a significant bootlegging issue. As of April 2024, around 42,000 bootleggers were reported to be active throughout the state. Notably, in the Ahmedabad district, nearly 60 percent of these illegal liquor vendors are women, indicating substantial female participation in this underground trade.
The state has witnessed tragic outcomes from the consumption of counterfeit liquor.
In July 2022, a methanol poisoning incident resulted in at least 42 fatalities and over 97 hospitalizations. Similarly, in 2009, Gujarat experienced another mass poisoning that led to the death of 136 individuals due to bootleg liquor consumption.
In response to these issues, the Gujarat government has escalated its crackdown on illegal alcohol activities. In 2023 alone, authorities documented 466 prohibition violations and confiscated liquor valued at Rs 20 crore.
To further deter bootlegging, the state Assembly amended the Prohibition Act in 2024, granting the government the authority to auction vehicles used for liquor transportation even before court verdicts are issued.
