Police Officer Attacked During Liquor Seizure Operation in Gujarat Village
In a disturbing incident highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in rural areas, a police officer was assaulted on Monday afternoon in Jesawada village of Garbada taluka, located in Dahod district, Gujarat. The attack occurred following a routine patrol operation that resulted in the seizure of illegal Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL).
Patrol Team Encounters Resistance During Enforcement Action
A police team from the Jesawada police station, under the leadership of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Siraj Sheikh, had initially traveled to Chharchhoda village in a patrol vehicle. Their mission was based on specific intelligence regarding absconding accused individuals in the area. While the primary suspects were not located during the search, the officers made a significant discovery behind a local shop.
The team recovered a bag containing various types of IMFL, including multiple beer cans and whisky bottles. A man identified as Naval Bhabhor was found seated near the shop and promptly claimed ownership of the seized liquor. As ASI Sheikh and his team began the formal seizure procedures and started looking for witnesses to document the incident, the situation quickly escalated.
Violent Confrontation Erupts as Villagers Intervene
Another individual, Kanti Bhabhor, allegedly approached ASI Sheikh and aggressively grabbed him by the collar. Simultaneously, a group of women gathered at the location and created a substantial commotion, further intensifying the volatile atmosphere. Faced with mounting hostility, the police team decided to withdraw from the scene, taking the confiscated liquor with them as they headed back toward the Jesawada police station.
However, the confrontation did not end there. When the patrol vehicle reached the market area of Jesawada village, it was intercepted by a youth identified as Sarul Bhabhor, who arrived on a motorcycle. Sarul allegedly threatened ASI Sheikh directly. As more villagers arrived at the spot, the situation deteriorated rapidly.
The assembled crowd allegedly physically assaulted ASI Sheikh, pulling and tearing his shirt in the process. Other police officers present at the scene had to intervene forcefully to rescue their colleague from the aggressive group. After ASI Sheikh was freed, the crowd eventually dispersed, allowing the police team to proceed.
Formal Complaint Lodged as Investigation Continues
Following the harrowing incident, ASI Siraj Sheikh officially lodged a detailed complaint at the Jesawada police station. The complaint documents the entire sequence of events, from the initial liquor seizure to the physical assault and threats made against him. Local police authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation into the matter is currently underway.
This incident underscores the persistent issues surrounding the enforcement of liquor laws in certain rural regions and the risks police personnel often face while performing their duties. The case is expected to involve further legal action as authorities work to identify all individuals involved in the assault and ensure appropriate measures are taken to uphold law and order in the community.
