Major Liquor Bust in Gujarat: Rs 1.46 Crore Worth of IMFL Seized Near Rajkot
In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor transportation, the Rajkot Range police have seized Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) valued at approximately Rs 1.46 crore from a truck on the Rajkot–Ahmedabad highway. The operation, conducted on Thursday night near Janiwadla village, resulted in the arrest of the truck driver and the uncovering of a sophisticated smuggling attempt.
Details of the Seizure and Arrest
The police team, led by Rajkot Range IG Nirlipt Rai, was conducting routine patrols in Surendranagar district in light of the upcoming local elections when they received credible intelligence about illicit liquor being transported. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, authorities established a checkpoint at the Janiwadla underpass on the national highway.
Upon intercepting a suspicious truck, a thorough search revealed 10,740 bottles of IMFL cleverly concealed beneath cotton sacks. The driver, identified as 30-year-old Sahid Hingora from Bhanvad in Devbhumi Dwarka district, was immediately taken into custody.
Investigation Unveils Smuggling Network
During interrogation, Hingora reportedly disclosed that the vehicle had been arranged by an individual named Chana Rabari, who operates near the Madhya Pradesh border. The truck was ostensibly loaded with cotton bales, with the illegal liquor consignment hidden underneath as a cover. Hingora also presented legitimate documentation for the cotton shipment to avoid suspicion during transit.
According to police statements, Rabari maintained communication with Hingora through video calls, providing specific instructions on where to stop during the journey. On Thursday evening, Hingora was directed to park the truck near a hotel close to Janiwadla, where the interception eventually took place.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Probe
A formal case has been registered at the Chotila police station in Surendranagar district under relevant sections of the Prohibition Act. The First Information Report (FIR) includes the names of the arrested driver, Chana Rabari, and other unidentified individuals involved in the operation. Authorities have emphasized that further investigation is actively underway to dismantle the broader smuggling network.
This seizure highlights the vigilance of law enforcement agencies in Gujarat, particularly during election periods when illegal activities often see a surge. The successful operation underscores the commitment to upholding prohibition laws and curbing the illicit liquor trade in the region.
