In a significant disciplinary action, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner G S Malik suspended a police inspector on Monday for alleged negligence linked to the seizure of a massive illicit liquor consignment valued at over Rs 77 lakh.
Major Consignment Intercepted in Saraspur
The suspension of Police Inspector M D Chandravadia of the Shaherkotda police station followed an inquiry into a major interception on December 11. Officials from the Police Control Branch (PCB) stopped a truck in the Saraspur area, which falls under Shaherkotda's jurisdiction. The illicit liquor was cleverly hidden beneath cartons of oranges, and the vehicle was intercepted before it could be unloaded.
Police stated that the consignment was destined for delivery within the limits of the Shaherkotda police station. Following the seizure, two individuals were arrested, and a formal investigation was initiated at the station.
Investigation Reveals Lapses, History of Similar Incidents
The subsequent probe uncovered serious lapses and negligence on the part of the local police inspector, prompting Commissioner Malik to take strict disciplinary action. Police sources indicated this was not an isolated event in the area. Reports suggest another truck carrying a large quantity of liquor had previously been unloaded in Saraspur, raising serious questions about local policing and surveillance mechanisms.
"Twice, major liquor consignments were traced to the Shaherkotda police station area. In both cases, shortcomings in preventive action were noticed," Commissioner Malik stated, confirming the rationale behind the suspension.
Raids Based on Specific Intelligence
According to officials, the Shaherkotda police had received specific intelligence indicating that a godown owned by Siya Roadlines in Saraspur was being used to store illegal liquor disguised as fruit shipments. Acting on this tip-off, PCB teams conducted raids and made a substantial recovery.
The raid led to the seizure of 15,996 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), with an estimated value of Rs 77.54 lakh. In addition to the alcohol, police confiscated a vehicle, two mobile phones, cash, and other materials. The total value of the seized property amounted to a staggering Rs 1.02 crore.
Investigations into the larger smuggling racket are currently ongoing. Police confirmed that departmental proceedings against the suspended officer will follow the initial suspension.
