New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) In a major crackdown on the illegal liquor trade ahead of the upcoming festive season, the Anti-Snatching and Burglary (ASB) Cell of Delhi Police’s East District on Tuesday has busted an interstate illicit liquor supply network, arresting one bootlegger and recovering 147 cartons of illegal liquor being transported from Haryana for distribution in Delhi.
The police also seized a goods vehicle, which was being used to transport the contraband. A case has been registered under FIR No. 375/2026 under Sections 33 and 58 of the Delhi Excise Act at Ghazipur Police Station. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the liquor smuggling network.
According to the police, the arrested accused has been identified as Mohit, 24, a resident of Village Sewapur in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district. Police verification revealed that he was previously involved in five cases registered under the Delhi Excise Act, indicating his continued involvement in illegal liquor trafficking.
Sharing details of the operation, officials said the ASB Cell, East District, has been tasked with taking strict action against bootlegging, illegal arms trafficking, and other criminal activities in view of the festive season. Acting under the supervision of ACP (Operations) Pavan Kumar, a dedicated team led by SI Ajay Tomar, In-Charge of the ASB Cell, was formed. The team included ASI Sabu, Head Constables Shailendra Singh, Subodh and Manendra, and Constable Moradhvaj.
During the intervening night of August 2 and 3, the police team received specific information regarding the movement of a vehicle carrying a large consignment of illicit liquor near Ghazipur Shamshan Ghat in East Delhi. After discreetly verifying the information, the team laid a trap and maintained surveillance along the suspected route.
At the same time, a team from the Delhi Excise Department, led by SI Sachin and comprising HC Rahul and Amit, also tracked the suspicious vehicle and reached the location. In a coordinated operation, the police and excise teams intercepted the Tata Ace and apprehended the driver.
A detailed search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 147 cartons of illicit liquor meant exclusively for sale in Haryana. The vehicle used in transporting the illegal consignment was also seized.
Following the recovery, a case under the Delhi Excise Act was registered at Ghazipur Police Station, and further investigation was launched to identify the source of the liquor, its intended recipients, and other individuals involved in the smuggling network.
During interrogation, Mohit disclosed that he is a native of Shamli district in Uttar Pradesh and has been working as a driver for the past five to six years. During this period, he came into contact with people engaged in the illicit liquor trade and gradually became involved in transporting illegal liquor in exchange for money.
He told investigators that he had been assigned the task of transporting liquor consignments from Haryana and delivering them near Ghazipur Shamshan Ghat in Delhi for a commission. On the day of the incident, he had allegedly collected the liquor consignment from Haryana and was on his way to the delivery point when he was intercepted by the police.
The accused admitted that the 147 cartons recovered from the vehicle were being transported illegally for distribution in Delhi. He also disclosed that five cases under the Delhi Excise Act had previously been registered against him.
Police said efforts are continuing to identify, trace and arrest other associates connected to the racket. Investigators are also working to uncover the larger network involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of illicit liquor across state borders.
Mohit, who is educated up to Class VIII, had been working as a driver before allegedly turning to illegal liquor transportation. Police said he was lured into the trade by the prospect of earning easy money.
The recovered consignment included 5,200 quarter bottles (104 cartons) of Deshi Sharab ‘Santra,’ 850 quarter bottles (17 cartons) of Deshi Sharab ‘Race-7,’ and 312 bottles (26 cartons) of Deshi Sharab ‘Murthal No. 1,’ all marked ‘For Sale in Haryana Only.’
–IANS
jk/rad
