Major Liquor Bust in Nagpur: ₹10 Lakh Worth Foreign Alcohol Seized
The State Excise Department made a significant breakthrough on Sunday, intercepting and seizing a massive consignment of foreign liquor on the Galpur-Ambada road in Katol, Nagpur district. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 373 litres of foreign-made liquor with an estimated market value of ₹10.08 lakh.
Inter-State Smuggling Operation Uncovered
Investigations revealed that the seized alcohol was manufactured in neighboring Madhya Pradesh and was being transported for illegal sale in Nagpur. This incident highlights a growing trend of liquor being smuggled into Maharashtra from other states, primarily driven by the significant price differences between states.
Despite prohibition laws in Maharashtra, foreign liquor from other states continues to enter in substantial quantities, creating challenges for law enforcement agencies. The price disparity makes such smuggling operations highly profitable for bootleggers.
Arrests and Investigation Details
Following the interception, the excise team took two individuals from Wardha into custody. The arrested persons have been identified as Akash Motghare and Jitendra Thakur, who were allegedly involved in the smuggling operation.
The successful operation was led by Inspector Anand Pawar, who received valuable assistance from Balaji Chalanewar and Deputy Inspector Avinash Tonde. The team worked under the strategic guidance of State Excise Commissioner Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, along with Joint Commissioner Prasad Surve, Divisional Deputy Commissioner Ganesh Patil, and Superintendent Suraj Ramod.
Deputy Inspector Vaibhav Diwan has been assigned to investigate the case further and uncover the entire smuggling network.
Public Cooperation Sought
The Excise Department has reinforced its appeal to citizens to report any information about illegal liquor activities. Authorities have urged the public to use the dedicated helpline number 18002339999 to confidentially share tips about bootlegging operations.
This seizure represents one of the significant catches in recent months and demonstrates the department's intensified efforts to curb the illegal liquor trade in the region. The operation also underscores the ongoing challenge of inter-state liquor smuggling that authorities continue to combat across Maharashtra.
