Nashik Police Apprehend Two Liquor Smugglers Following Attempted Murder on Officers
In a dramatic incident highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement, two liquor smugglers were arrested in Nashik on Thursday morning after they allegedly attempted to run over a police team at a checkpoint. The suspects were transporting a large quantity of illicit liquor from Daman and Diu towards Gujarat when the confrontation occurred.
Details of the Arrest and Police Operation
The accused have been identified as Kevalkumar Patel, aged 27, from Karambele in Umargam taluka of Valsad district, Gujarat, and Atul Chauhan, aged 32, from Khatiwad, Nani Div, Daman. The Ghoti police have registered a case under multiple sections, including Section 109 for attempt to murder and Section 336(3) for forgery, along with other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Harish Khedkar provided insights into the operation, stating, "Under the guidance of SP Balasaheb Patil, the Nashik Rural police have been maintaining strict surveillance on illegal liquor, drug trafficking, and related activities. Acting on a tip-off that an SUV carrying liquor banned in Maharashtra and Gujarat was heading from Ghoti, a team led by Inspector Vishal Shinde set up a nakabandi near the Vaitarna police chowkey."
Around 11:20 AM, the police spotted the SUV and ordered it to stop. However, instead of complying, the driver allegedly attempted to mow down the officers and sped away. A high-speed chase ensued, during which the smugglers abandoned their vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Both suspects were apprehended within minutes, demonstrating the swift response of the police force.
Seizure and Investigation
The police successfully seized the SUV and illicit liquor worth approximately Rs 1.1 lakh. Sub-Inspector Pravin Ude of the Ghoti police station is leading the investigation into the case, which underscores the ongoing efforts to curb illegal activities in the region.
Pattern of Violence Against Enforcement Teams
This incident is not an isolated one, as enforcement teams have repeatedly come under attack from bootleggers in Maharashtra. A similar event occurred at the same location last January, when two individuals from Vapi, Gujarat, were arrested, and liquor worth Rs 1.7 lakh was confiscated.
In November of the previous year, a more severe incident took place on the Songira-Dondaiche Road in Dhule district, where two state excise officials and a policeman were among four injured after a bootlegger rammed his SUV into an excise vehicle during a chase. Furthermore, in July 2024, a state excise jawan was killed and three others injured when bootleggers struck an excise vehicle near Harnul on the Chandwad-Manmad road.
These recurring attacks highlight the persistent challenges faced by authorities in combating illegal liquor trafficking and the risks involved in such operations. The Nashik police's vigilance and prompt action in this latest case serve as a reminder of their commitment to maintaining law and order in the face of such threats.
