In a significant crackdown on New Year's Eve, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) intercepted a major liquor smuggling attempt destined for the dry state of Bihar. A flying squad from the Ranchi railway division successfully arrested an individual carrying a substantial consignment of alcohol at Muri railway station.
The New Year's Eve Interception
The operation unfolded on December 31st, when vigilant RPF personnel at Muri station grew suspicious of a man's behaviour on platform number one. The accused, identified as Vindhayachal Singh, was subjected to a search after his activities raised red flags. Upon inspecting his bags, the officials made the discovery: 38 bottles of illicit liquor.
Smuggling Route and Confession
During subsequent questioning, Singh confessed to the RPF team about his plans. He revealed that he had purchased the liquor from Jamshedpur and was waiting at Muri station to board a train. His intended destination was Rohtas district in Bihar, a state where the sale and consumption of alcohol are banned. This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges of enforcing prohibition in Bihar, with smugglers constantly devising new routes.
The RPF, in an official statement released on Thursday, provided these crucial details of the case. The force also highlighted a broader pattern of such violations, noting that over 85 people have been arrested in connection with liquor smuggling activities in the current year, 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Handover
Following the arrest, the accused was not charged under railway statutes alone. Recognizing the nature of the crime as a violation of state excise laws, the RPF handed over Vindhayachal Singh to the excise department for a more thorough investigation and further legal action. This coordination between the RPF and state excise officials is standard procedure in such inter-state smuggling cases, ensuring the accused faces appropriate charges under the relevant prohibition laws.
This incident serves as a stern reminder of the continued vigilance exercised by railway security forces, especially during festive periods like New Year's when attempts to smuggle contraband often see a spike. The successful interception at Muri station prevented a significant quantity of alcohol from entering the dry state of Bihar.
