In a swift midnight operation that read like a scene from a crime thriller, Surat police cracked down on an illicit liquor party at a posh residential apartment, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals who were caught red-handed violating Gujarat's strict prohibition laws.
The Midnight Raid
Acting on a precise tip-off, a police team from the Umra police station descended upon an upscale apartment in the Vesu area of Surat around 1:30 AM. What they uncovered was a full-fledged party in progress, with revellers enjoying expensive foreign liquor in direct defiance of the state's dry law.
The Party Organizer Identified
Police have identified the main accused as Sahil Thakkar, a 28-year-old resident of the city who had organized the illegal gathering. Thakkar now faces serious charges under the Gujarat Prohibition Act for not only consuming but also supplying alcohol to other attendees.
What Police Seized
The raid yielded substantial evidence including:
- Multiple bottles of premium foreign liquor
- Various drinking accessories and glassware
- Substantial cash believed to be proceeds from alcohol sales
- Electronic devices containing potential evidence
Gujarat's Strict Stance on Alcohol
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in implementing Gujarat's prohibition policy, which has been in effect for decades. Despite the ban, underground liquor parties continue to surface, particularly in urban centers like Surat and Ahmedabad.
The arrested individuals now face legal proceedings that could result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines, serving as a stark reminder that the state's prohibition laws remain strictly enforced.
