In a dramatic late-night operation that underscores the ongoing challenges of prohibition in Gujarat, police stormed a luxurious apartment in Ahmedabad's Shela area, uncovering a full-fledged liquor party in the heart of the dry state.
The raid, conducted based on specific intelligence, resulted in the detention of 20 individuals who were allegedly participating in the illegal gathering. Among those apprehended were 13 African nationals whose presence at the party has raised questions about the network behind such operations in prohibition-bound Gujarat.
Shela Area Apartment Turns Party Venue
Acting on a tip-off about suspicious activities, a team from the Ahmedabad Police Crime Branch descended upon the upscale residential complex late Tuesday evening. What they discovered was a scene completely at odds with Gujarat's strict anti-liquor laws - a full-blown party with alcohol flowing freely.
"The apartment had been transformed into an impromptu party venue," a police official revealed. "We recovered substantial quantities of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer from the premises, along with sophisticated sound systems and party arrangements."
International Connections Under Scanner
The presence of 13 African nationals at the gathering has particularly alarmed authorities, who are now investigating potential international links to bootlegging operations in the state. Preliminary investigations suggest the foreign nationals were predominantly from East African countries, though their exact immigration status remains under verification.
"The involvement of foreign nationals in such illegal activities within a prohibition state is concerning," noted a senior police officer. "We're examining whether this points to a more organized racket with international connections."
Bootlegging Network Exposed
Alongside the party attendees, police also nabbed several suspected bootleggers who are believed to have supplied the alcohol. The simultaneous presence of both consumers and suppliers at the same location provided authorities with rare insight into the functioning of illicit liquor networks in urban Gujarat.
The arrested individuals face multiple charges under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, with additional sections potentially being applied as the investigation progresses. Police are particularly focused on identifying the main organizers and financiers behind the event.
Gujarat's Dry Law Challenge
This incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by authorities in enforcing Gujarat's prohibition laws, which have been in effect since the state's formation in 1960. Despite stringent regulations, underground parties and bootlegging operations continue to thrive, especially in urban centers like Ahmedabad.
The Shela raid represents one of the more significant crackdowns in recent months, particularly due to the international dimension introduced by the involvement of foreign nationals. As Gujarat maintains its status as India's only completely dry state, such operations demonstrate the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and prohibition violators.
