Major Liquor Bust in Gujarat: Rs 1 Crore Consignment Seized Ahead of Local Body Elections
In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor trade, the Surendranagar Local Crime Branch (LCB) has intercepted and seized a massive consignment of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) valued at approximately Rs 76.56 lakh. The operation took place near Sedla village, falling under the jurisdiction of the Bajana police station in Gujarat.
Details of the Seizure
Acting on intelligence inputs, police teams discovered a truck parked within the limits of Sedla village. Upon thorough inspection, authorities found an astonishing 11,220 bottles of IMFL concealed inside the vehicle. The estimated market value of the liquor alone stands at Rs 76.56 lakh.
When accounting for the truck itself and other associated items seized during the operation, the total value of the confiscation escalates to around Rs 1 crore. This marks one of the substantial prohibition-related seizures in the region recently.
Legal Action and Investigation
The Surendranagar police have formally registered a case under the state's stringent prohibition laws at the Bajana police station. The First Information Report (FIR) names multiple individuals, including:
- The registered owner of the truck
- The truck driver who was operating the vehicle at the time
- An unidentified person alleged to have dispatched the liquor consignment
- Bilkishbanu Malek, the intended recipient of the illicit shipment
Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network behind this smuggling attempt and to apprehend all individuals involved.
Election Security Measures
Inspector J J Jadeja of the Surendranagar LCB provided crucial context for the heightened vigilance. "In view of the ongoing local body election process, we have deployed specialized teams from the crime branch and the parole-furlough squad across key locations," he stated.
These teams have been strategically positioned on highways and border areas of the district to prevent the flow of illicit goods, including liquor, which could potentially influence the electoral process. The seizure demonstrates the effectiveness of these proactive security measures.
The timing of this bust underscores the police department's commitment to maintaining law and order during sensitive electoral periods. Authorities have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards violations of prohibition laws, especially when such activities threaten to disrupt the democratic process.
