Surat Woman Faces 44th Arrest in Bootlegging Case After Major Raid
In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor operations, a 50-year-old woman was arrested for the 44th time in a bootlegging case in Surat. The arrest followed a police raid on Friday that resulted in the seizure of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) valued at Rs 5.68 lakh, according to official statements.
Details of the Raid and Accused
The accused, identified as Mina alias Minakshi Rana, is alleged to have been operating an extensive liquor racket within the city. During the operation, police also detained her 22-year-old son, Ayush, for reportedly assisting her in the illicit activities. The raid was conducted by the local crime branch team of Zone 3, acting on specific intelligence inputs.
Location of Seizure: The illicit liquor was discovered stocked at Shivam Apartment in the Golwad area of Surat, highlighting the covert nature of the operation.
Criminal History and Background
Police records reveal a staggering history of prohibition-related offenses involving Mina. She has been booked in 43 previous cases across various police stations, with her criminal activities spanning over a decade. Investigators noted that she began her bootlegging operations approximately 12 years ago, with her first arrest occurring in 2014.
Notable Year: In 2016 alone, as many as 15 cases were registered against her, underscoring the persistent nature of her illegal endeavors.
Family Involvement and Investigation
The case takes a familial turn, with Mina's husband being physically disabled, and her son allegedly playing an active role in managing the racket. Authorities are now intensifying their probe into the supply chain and potential connections with other liquor suppliers. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused and her associates sourced liquor from various locations, including Daman.
Ongoing Efforts: Police are focused on dismantling the network and understanding the broader implications of this bootlegging operation to prevent future incidents.
