Rajkot: In a joint operation, the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Rajkot Rural police detained two men near the Bharudi toll plaza in Gondal taluka for allegedly transporting liquor while under the influence of narcotic tramadol tablets. The police seized items valued at Rs 23.67 lakh and initiated further investigations.
Details of the Operation
Rajkot Superintendent of Police (SP) Vijaysinh Gurjar informed the Times of India that the SOG and LCB teams were on patrol when they received specific intelligence about a Fortuner SUV near Neelkanth Complex by the Bharudi toll plaza in Gondal taluka carrying liquor and narcotic tablets. Acting on the tip-off, the police raided the site and detained Kiran Patel, a resident of Pardi in Valsad, and Vaibhav Babariya, a resident of Ratanpar in Rajkot, who were present in the vehicle.
Seizure of Contraband
During a thorough search of the car, the police recovered tramadol tablets valued at Rs 7.56 lakh from Kiran Patel's possession. Additionally, 93 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor, worth over Rs 52,000, were found in the vehicle. The total value of the seized items, including the tramadol tablets, liquor, the Fortuner SUV, and mobile phones, amounted to Rs 23.67 lakh.
Confessions and Investigation
During interrogation, Patel confessed that he had transported a consignment of liquor from Silvassa to Rajkot and was supposed to deliver it in Jetpur on the instructions of a bootlegger named Jinu from Rajkot. He also admitted to consuming tramadol tablets to combat fatigue and stay awake during the journey. Further investigation revealed that one Rahul Barat from Silvassa had loaded the liquor into the vehicle. The police are now searching for Jinu and other individuals involved in the illegal operation.
Previous Criminal Record
Police records indicate that Kiran Patel had previously been booked in liquor-related cases, highlighting his repeated involvement in such offenses.
Legal Action
A case has been registered at Gondal taluka police station against Kiran Patel under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Additionally, a case under the Prohibition Act has been filed against Kiran Patel, Vaibhav Babariya, Rahul Barat, and Jinu.
