Major Liquor Bust in Kolhapur: Excise Department Seizes Rs 28.7 Lakh in Contraband
In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor transportation, the state excise department in Kolhapur district has seized a substantial haul of India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) along with a vehicle and mobile phones, amounting to a total value of Rs 28.7 lakh. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, marks a notable victory in the fight against illicit alcohol trade in the region.
Details of the Seizure and Arrests
The excise department intercepted a car at Devale in Panhala taluka, where they discovered IMFL worth Rs 11.4 lakh. In addition to the alcohol, the authorities confiscated the car used for transportation and four mobile phones, bringing the overall seizure value to Rs 28.7 lakh. A case has been registered against three individuals identified as Digvijay Rajaram Patil (44), Prafulla Himmatlal Padiya (44), and Ravindra Suresh Sawant (43), all residents of Sangli.
Investigation and Additional Raid
According to Shahuwadi excise department inspector K B Biradar, the department acted on a tip-off from reliable sources indicating that liquor was being transported via the Shahuwadi-Panhala route in Kolhapur district. Upon stopping the vehicle near Devale in Panhala tehsil, officials found numerous IMFL bottles. When questioned, the occupants revealed that the liquor was intended for delivery to Sangli.
Further investigation led to the discovery that Padiya had hidden additional IMFL bottles in a warehouse located in Sangli. A subsequent raid was conducted at this location, resulting in the seizure of the concealed alcohol, thereby expanding the scope of the bust and underscoring the organized nature of the operation.
Implications and Broader Context
This seizure highlights the ongoing efforts by the excise department to curb illegal liquor activities in Maharashtra. The use of intelligence-based operations, as demonstrated in this case, is crucial for disrupting supply chains and apprehending those involved in such illicit trades. The involvement of multiple suspects and the cross-district movement of contraband suggest a coordinated network that authorities are actively targeting.
The successful bust not only prevents the distribution of unauthorized alcohol but also serves as a deterrent to others engaged in similar activities. It underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement and community cooperation in maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.
