In a significant crackdown on interstate bootlegging, the Dumka police in Jharkhand have seized a massive consignment of illicit liquor destined for the dry state of Bihar. Acting on a specific intelligence tip, authorities arrested two individuals and recovered a huge cache of alcohol from a mini-truck.
Massive Haul Intercepted on Dumka-Pakur Road
The operation unfolded late on Tuesday evening. Officer in-charge of Gopikandar police station, Sumit Kumar Bhagat, acted swiftly upon receiving crucial intelligence. A checking drive was launched at the Karudih turn along the Dumka-Pakur road. It was here that police teams successfully intercepted the suspect mini-truck coming from the direction of Pakudiya.
The seizure included a staggering 110 cases of illicit liquor and 800 litres of spirit. Preliminary investigations revealed that the truck had begun its journey from Muraroi in the Birbhum district of West Bengal.
Consignment Destined for Dry State Bihar
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Ikud Dungdung provided critical details about the smuggling operation. He stated that the illicit consignment was ultimately intended for sale in Uttar Pradesh. However, it was being routed through Bihar, a state where the sale and consumption of alcohol are prohibited.
"The consignment was meant for sale in Uttar Pradesh but was being smuggled to Bihar, which is a dry state," confirmed DSP Dungdung, highlighting the criminals' attempt to exploit Bihar's prohibition policy for illegal trade and profit.
Arrests Made and Investigation Deepens
Following the raid, police took two individuals into custody. The arrested accused have been identified as Debu Murmu (30), a resident of Kathikund in Dumka district, and Kiran Hembram (19), from the neighbouring Jamtara district.
A formal case has been registered in connection with the incident. Authorities are not stopping at the seizure and arrests. "Further investigation is underway to identify the racket," asserted DSP Ikud Dungdung. The police are now focused on uncovering the larger network behind this interstate smuggling operation, aiming to trace the suppliers and the intended recipients of the illegal alcohol.
This successful operation by the Dumka police underscores the ongoing challenges of enforcing prohibition in Bihar and curbing the flow of illegal liquor across state borders. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-based actions in disrupting such smuggling networks.
