In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor smuggling, Dahod police executed two coordinated operations at the Katwara police outpost during the early hours of Thursday, resulting in the seizure of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) valued at a staggering Rs 1.92 crore. The dual raids, conducted by different police units of the district, underscore intensified efforts to curb illicit alcohol trade in the region.
First Major Interception by Local Crime Branch
The initial and larger seizure was carried out by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Dahod district police, who acted on specific intelligence regarding the movement of a liquor consignment. Authorities had received detailed information about a truck transporting IMFL, which was expected to cross the Khangela border check post to enter Gujarat. Acting swiftly, LCB sleuths intercepted the vehicle on the Dahod-Godhra highway.
Massive Haul and Arrest
Upon thorough inspection, police discovered an enormous cache of 26,784 bottles of IMFL, with an estimated worth of Rs 1.84 crore. The truck driver, identified as Chhogaram Bishnoi, a 30-year-old resident of Barmer district in Rajasthan, was immediately taken into custody and subjected to questioning.
During interrogation, Bishnoi revealed that he had been handed the truck in Punjab and instructed to drive it towards Veraval. He was awaiting further directions via phone once he neared Veraval, highlighting a well-organized smuggling network. "The driver had been handed the truck in Punjab and told to drive it towards Veraval. He was to get further instructions over the phone when he was near Veraval," stated LCB police inspector S M Gameti, emphasizing the planned nature of the operation.
Second Seizure by Katwara Police
Simultaneously, in a separate but related operation, Katwara police were conducting routine vehicle checks at the Khangela check post. During this inspection, they stopped another truck and uncovered 3,648 bottles of IMFL, valued at Rs 8.02 lakh.
Additional Arrest Made
The driver of this vehicle, Ishwar Gehlot, aged 24 and hailing from Jhalawar district in Rajasthan, was arrested on the spot. This seizure, though smaller in scale, contributed significantly to the total haul, demonstrating the widespread nature of the smuggling activities.
The combined efforts of the LCB and Katwara police have not only led to the confiscation of illicit liquor but also disrupted potential distribution channels. These operations reflect the proactive stance of Dahod police in tackling organized crime and ensuring public safety. The arrested individuals are currently under investigation, with authorities probing deeper into the smuggling syndicate to identify other involved parties.
