BJP MLA's Nephew Arrested in Major Bootlegging Operation in Gujarat
In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor trade, the Tapi police in Gujarat have arrested Yogesh Keshav Dodhiya, the nephew of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mohan Dodhiya, who represents the Mahuva Assembly seat in Surat district. The arrest was made during a raid on Friday, with authorities seizing Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) bottles valued at approximately Rs 3.87 lakh.
Details of the Raid and Arrest
The police operation targeted a densely vegetated area on the outskirts of Khambla village in Valod taluka. According to officials, three individuals were observed transporting liquor bottles from two cars using motorcycles at the time of the raid. Yogesh Dodhiya, 48, a resident of Andhantri village in Valod taluka, was apprehended at the scene. However, two other suspects managed to escape despite a chase by another police team.
The two cars involved in the illicit activity were seized by the authorities as part of the investigation. Police have identified the absconding suspects as Kartik Patel, from Mahuva taluka in Surat, and Bharat Patel, of Dharampur in Valsad. A search operation is currently underway to locate and arrest them.
Family Connections and Criminal History
Yogesh Dodhiya is the son of Keshavbhai Dodhiya, who is the brother of BJP MLA Mohan Dodhiya. Rajubhai Dodhiya, the former sarpanch of Andhantri village, provided insights into the family structure, noting that Mohan Dodhiya has four brothers, including Keshavbhai, with their houses located near each other in the village.
Valod police inspector M M Gilator revealed that Yogesh Dodhiya is a known bootlegger in the area, with over ten cases registered against him. This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb illegal liquor activities, particularly those involving individuals with political connections.
Political Implications and Response
The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of a relative of a sitting BJP MLA. Despite repeated attempts to contact him for comment, MLA Mohan Dodhiya was unavailable, leaving questions about his awareness or involvement in the matter unanswered. This incident underscores the challenges in enforcing liquor laws in Gujarat, a state with strict prohibition policies, and raises concerns about potential political influences in such illegal operations.
The police have emphasized their commitment to pursuing all leads, with teams deployed to nab the fleeing suspects. The seizure of liquor worth nearly four lakh rupees marks a significant blow to bootlegging networks in the region, though it also points to the persistence of such activities despite regulatory measures.
