Bokaro Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade Ahead of Holi Celebrations
In a significant pre-emptive move ahead of the Holi festival, the Bokaro police have launched a major offensive against the illegal liquor trade, seizing a massive consignment of spurious foreign liquor in the Chatrochatti police station area on Sunday. This operation represents the second major seizure within a span of just 24 hours in the Bermo sub-division, highlighting the authorities' determination to curb illicit alcohol activities.
Major Raid Uncovers Fake IMFL Stockpile
Bokaro Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh revealed that acting on specific intelligence inputs, a dedicated police team conducted a targeted raid at Narkandi village. The operation led to the discovery of a large quantity of fake Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) allegedly stored in a rented house situated near a local tower.
During the intensive raid, police successfully recovered 2,688 bottles of various brands of foreign liquor, totaling nearly 793 litres. The estimated market value of this seized consignment is approximately Rs 10 lakh. The house owner, identified as Sona Mahto, was promptly taken into custody for questioning.
During interrogation, Mahto claimed that the room had been rented out to another individual from Hazaribag district, who allegedly used the premises to store the illegal liquor. Police have launched further raids and investigations to apprehend the other accused persons involved in this extensive racket.
Legal Action and Continued Vigilance
An First Information Report (FIR) has been officially registered at the Chatrochatti police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Excise Act. Police officials have emphasized that the drive against illegal liquor will continue with heightened vigilance to ensure peaceful and safe celebrations during the upcoming Holi festival.
Previous Seizure in Kathara Area
This recent seizure follows another major operation conducted just a day earlier on Saturday, where police confiscated a substantial quantity of forged foreign liquor and manufacturing materials from the Kathara area. During that raid, authorities recovered:
- Fake branded liquor bottles
- Counterfeit stickers and barcodes
- Jars filled with spirit
- A sealing machine used for packaging
Investigations revealed that these materials were allegedly being utilized to manufacture and package spurious liquor for distribution in the local market. Police also seized the pickup van that was being used to transport the illegal consignment, further disrupting the supply chain of counterfeit alcohol.
The back-to-back seizures within 24 hours demonstrate the Bokaro police's committed efforts to dismantle illegal liquor networks operating in the region, particularly as festive seasons approach when demand typically increases.
