Hazaribag Police Uncover Major Illegal Liquor Operation in Forested Area
In a significant crackdown on illicit alcohol production, police in Hazaribag district have dismantled a clandestine factory operating deep within the forested regions under the Bishnugarh police station jurisdiction. The operation led to the recovery of approximately 4,000 bottles of spurious liquor, which were fraudulently labeled with the branding of reputed India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) companies.
Details of the Police Raid and Seizures
The raid was conducted by a specialized team led by Bishnugarh officer-in-charge Sapan Kumar Mahtha, who coordinated the operation to target the illegal setup. During the search, authorities not only confiscated the counterfeit liquor bottles but also seized equipment valued at an estimated Rs 56 lakh. This included an automatic liquor refilling machine, thousands of fake caps, and two pickup vehicles that were allegedly used for transporting the illicit products to the market.
In addition to the bottles, police recovered large quantities of spirit and hazardous chemicals that were being utilized in the manufacturing process of the fake alcohol. The sophistication of the operation was evident as the accused were found affixing forged Jharkhand government monograms and brand labels onto the bottles, a tactic designed to deceive consumers and sell the products at premium prices.
Arrests and Legal Actions Taken
As a result of the raid, two individuals were apprehended on the spot, and a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against 18 others involved in the illegal activity. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the network and identify all perpetrators linked to this fraudulent enterprise.
Officer Sapan Kumar Mahtha emphasized the dangers posed by such spurious liquor, noting that it not only violates legal regulations but also poses serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit alcohol in the region.
