Major Illicit Liquor Haul Intercepted in Dewas
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, Dewas Police achieved a major breakthrough on Thursday by seizing a massive consignment of illicit foreign liquor valued at approximately ₹85.35 lakh. The total haul, including the vehicle used for transportation, is estimated to be worth around ₹1.05 crore, marking one of the substantial seizures in the region's recent history.
Operation Prahar: Intelligence-Led Police Action
Dewas Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlod revealed that the seizure was part of Operation Prahar, a district-wide initiative specifically designed to combat organized criminal activities with particular emphasis on illegal liquor offenses. The operation swung into action based on credible intelligence received during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.
Police received specific information about a truck bearing registration number MP 09 HG 5963 that was traveling from Bhopal toward Indore while carrying a substantial load of illicit liquor. The vehicle was described as being covered with a green tarpaulin, prompting immediate police response.
The Interception and Concealment Method
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, police teams established checkpoints and eventually intercepted the speeding truck at the Sonkatch Pragati Nagar Bypass. Upon stopping the vehicle, authorities identified the occupants as Deepak Rawat (27) and Lalu Rawat (28), both residents of Ambua village in Alirajpur district.
During thorough inspection, police uncovered an ingenious concealment method employed by the accused. The perpetrators had stacked sacks filled with chaff (bhusa) along the perimeter of the truck body, effectively creating a barrier that hid the contraband liquor cases placed inside. This sophisticated hiding technique failed to fool the alert police team.
Massive Quantities and Legal Action
The seizure included 675 boxes containing 5,936.4 liters of premium foreign-made illicit liquor. Police also confiscated the large truck used for transporting the illegal consignment. The sheer volume of the seizure highlights the scale of illegal liquor trade operations in the region.
Authorities have registered a case under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act against the accused individuals. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to uncover the entire network behind this illegal operation, including potential distributors and recipients of the contraband liquor.
Broader Implications and Continued Vigilance
This successful operation demonstrates Dewas Police's commitment to disrupting organized crime networks involved in the illegal liquor trade. SP Puneet Gehlod emphasized that Operation Prahar will continue its focused approach toward eliminating such criminal activities from the district.
The seizure not only represents a significant financial blow to illicit liquor operators but also prevents potentially dangerous unauthorized alcohol from reaching consumers. Police authorities have urged citizens to continue providing credible information about such illegal activities, reinforcing the importance of community-police collaboration in maintaining law and order.
