The Ahmedabad Rural Police have made a significant enforcement action in Gujarat, a state with strict prohibition laws, by detaining 81 individuals for allegedly consuming liquor at a private party. This incident occurred at a villa on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, highlighting the ongoing challenges in enforcing the state's ban on alcohol.
Police Raid Uncovers Liquor Violation
According to authorities, the raid was conducted shortly after midnight on Wednesday at a marriage anniversary celebration held at a private villa in Safal Nirvana Greens, near Goraj village. The party was organized by Amit Gopilal Pacheriwal, a 49-year-old resident of Marine Drive, Mumbai, to mark the 25th anniversary of his brother-in-law, Adarsh Agarwal. Pacheriwal reportedly invited friends, including Ravi Gorakhpuria's associates, and provided imported foreign liquor without the necessary permits.
Details of the Seizure
The police statement, issued by SP Om Prakash Jat, detailed the items seized during the operation. These included:
- Sealed bottles of foreign liquor from various brands (8)
- Half-filled liquor bottles (7)
- Empty bottles of foreign liquor (3)
- 70 glasses
- 10 hookahs with rubber pipes
- 8 packets of hookah flavors
- 33 plastic containers of hookah flavors
- 74 mobile phones
- 22 cars
The total value of the seized items was estimated at Rs 2.91 crore, underscoring the scale of the violation. Among the detained were 43 men and 38 women, all booked under multiple sections of the Prohibition Act at the Sanand police station.
Gujarat's Prohibition Laws and Exceptions
Gujarat has long enforced a ban on the manufacturing, sale, and consumption of liquor, rooted in its historical policies. However, recent years have seen some exemptions, particularly in designated areas. In 2023, the government made an exception for the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar, allowing alcohol consumption in its central business district under specific conditions.
Further easing occurred in December last year, when rules were relaxed to permit any person from outside Gujarat or India to consume liquor at designated hotels or restaurants in GIFT City by showing a photo ID card. This move aims to attract global business and tourism, but it contrasts sharply with incidents like the recent raid, which demonstrate the strict enforcement of prohibition in other parts of the state.
Implications and Enforcement
This case serves as a reminder of the stringent measures in place to uphold Gujarat's prohibition laws. The police action not only led to detentions but also involved significant seizures, reflecting the authorities' commitment to curbing illegal alcohol activities. Such raids are part of broader efforts to maintain social order and public health in the state, despite the challenges posed by clandestine gatherings.
The incident near Ahmedabad underscores the ongoing tension between traditional prohibition policies and modern exemptions, raising questions about enforcement consistency and the impact on social events. As Gujarat continues to navigate these complexities, cases like this highlight the need for vigilance and adherence to legal frameworks.
