Koderma Police Dismantle Major Spurious Liquor Manufacturing Operation
In a significant crackdown on illicit alcohol production, police in Koderma district have dismantled a large-scale spurious liquor manufacturing unit that was operating covertly from a closed poultry farm. The operation, which unfolded on Wednesday night under the jurisdiction of the Chandwara police station, resulted in the arrest of two individuals from Bihar and the seizure of substantial quantities of counterfeit materials.
Coordinated Raid Based on Intelligence Tip-Off
The decisive police action was initiated following a specific tip-off received by authorities. A specialized team, led by Shashi Bhushan Kumar, the officer-in-charge of Chandwara police station, executed a meticulously planned raid on the suspected location. According to Superintendent of Police Anudeep Singh, who addressed the media on Thursday, the investigation revealed an organized criminal syndicate deeply involved in the mass production, bottling, and smuggling of spurious alcohol.
"The raid uncovered an organised syndicate involved in the large-scale production, bottling, and smuggling of spurious alcohol by copying prominent IMFL brands," SP Anudeep Singh stated, emphasizing the sophisticated nature of the illegal operation. The syndicate was actively replicating well-known Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) brands to deceive consumers and distribute counterfeit products across regions.
Arrests and Seizures in the Counterfeit Alcohol Bust
During the operation, law enforcement officials apprehended two key suspects identified as Kanhaiya Kumar, a resident of Patna, and Gopal Singh, who hails from Gaya. However, the primary owner of the illicit manufacturing unit, Piyush Kumar Pandey, managed to evade capture along with his brother Ayush, fleeing the scene before police arrival. Authorities have launched a manhunt to locate and arrest the absconding individuals.
The police confiscated a massive haul of illicit materials from the site, including 191.2 litres of ready-to-sell spurious liquor and 120 litres of raw spirit used in production. Additionally, officers seized:
- 455 empty liquor bottles intended for filling
- 4,500 counterfeit bottle caps
- Thousands of fake labels and barcode stickers
- Fraudulent logos mimicking the state excise department
A white car, which was reportedly used for transporting the illegal consignments, was also impounded, along with several mobile phones believed to contain critical evidence. Preliminary investigations suggest that the clandestine factory had been operational for several months, indicating a prolonged period of illicit activity.
Local Involvement and Ongoing Investigation
Further inquiries revealed that the syndicate had recruited several local residents to assist with manufacturing processes and logistical support, highlighting the community-level impact of the operation. Police are currently delving into the criminal backgrounds of all named suspects to uncover potential connections to broader networks.
"Police are currently investigating the criminal histories of all named suspects," confirmed SP Anudeep Singh, noting that the probe aims to dismantle the entire supply chain and identify all accomplices. The case underscores ongoing challenges in combating the production and distribution of spurious alcohol, which poses severe health risks to consumers and significant revenue losses to the state.
This successful raid marks a critical step in Koderma's efforts to curb illegal liquor operations and ensure public safety, with authorities remaining vigilant for similar activities in the region.
