Rajkot Police Apprehend Rajasthan Duo in Major Liquor Smuggling Operation
In a significant enforcement action, the Rajkot police have arrested two young men from Rajasthan for their alleged involvement in a large-scale liquor smuggling operation in the Jetpur taluka area. The arrests were made on Friday evening following a dramatic chase and confrontation.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Action
The accused have been identified as Dinesh Bishnoi (25) from Barmer district and Viraram Choudhary (20) from Jalore district in Rajasthan. A formal complaint was lodged at the Jetpur Taluka police station by Assistant Sub-Inspector Vipul Maru. The duo has been charged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the stringent Gujarat Prohibition Act, which strictly bans the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the state.
The Dramatic Chase and Seizure
According to police reports, the incident unfolded on January 24 when a patrolling team received a credible tip-off about a suspicious white four-wheeler speeding towards Jetpur from the Devki Galol side. Around 6:15 PM, officers attempted to intercept the vehicle by signaling it to stop. In a reckless move, the driver allegedly tried to run over the policemen, who narrowly escaped injury. The vehicle subsequently lost control, collided with a parked motorcycle, and plunged into a roadside ditch.
Both accused were apprehended at the scene. A thorough search of the car revealed a massive consignment of 2,224 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL). The estimated market value of the seized liquor is approximately Rs 7.71 lakh. Additionally, the vehicle used in the smuggling attempt was confiscated. The combined total value of the seized liquor and the vehicle is estimated to be around Rs 16.21 lakh, marking a substantial haul for the authorities.
Implications and Enforcement Efforts
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing the illegal liquor trade, especially in prohibition states like Gujarat. The use of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita alongside the Gujarat Prohibition Act indicates the seriousness with which such offenses are being treated. The police action demonstrates a proactive approach in acting on intelligence and intercepting smuggling attempts, which are often linked to larger organized crime networks.
The successful operation not only led to the seizure of valuable contraband but also prevented the potential distribution of illegal alcohol in the region. It serves as a stern warning to those involved in such illicit activities. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities delve deeper into the smuggling racket and possible connections.
