In ‘dry’ Gujarat, a liquor bottle seized every four seconds: Report
Ahmedabad: In Gujarat, where alcohol prohibition is in place, authorities have seized one bottle of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) every four seconds in 2024, according to police data.
A total of 82 lakh liquor bottles, valued at Rs 144 crore, were confiscated across the state. Of these, 4,38,047 bottles were seized in Ahmedabad city, Ahmedabad rural, and Western Railways' Ahmedabad jurisdiction, as reported by the Times of India on Tuesday.
Ahmedabad city alone accounted for 2,139 cases involving 3.06 lakh IMFL bottles, while 7,796 cases were linked to the confiscation of 1.58 lakh litres of countrymade liquor.
Authorities seized Rs 9.8 crore worth of IMFL bottles hidden in secret compartments of trucks and godowns in Vadodara rural. Additionally, police uncovered Rs 8.9 crore worth of liquor disguised as household goods in an interstate smuggling operation in Surat rural, added the report.
Navsari recorded a seizure of 6.23 lakh IMFL bottles traced to high-tech manufacturing units in neighbouring states, while Godhra authorities seized liquor worth Rs 8.8 crore. In Bhavnagar, law enforcement intercepted Rs 8.7 crore worth of IMFL and countrymade liquor concealed inside water tanks and beneath fresh vegetables.
A senior official told TOI that these raids serve as a reminder to smugglers that, irrespective of their innovative tactics, they will not be allowed to violate the law. “The message is clear: There's no room for the spirit of lawlessness in the land of Gandhi," the official asserted.
However, a retired Director General of Police (DGP) acknowledged that completely halting liquor smuggling is a massive challenge due to supply chains from neighbouring states. He emphasised the need for stricter action against local breweries to curb illegal liquor distribution.
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CEC orders immediate arrest of those involved in post-poll violence in Bengal: Official
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed the authorities concerned to immediately arrest those involved in post-poll violence and vandalism in West Bengal, an official said on Wednesday.
The Election Commission's directive came after two persons were killed in alleged incidents of post-poll violence in the state on Tuesday, besides scores of party offices being ransacked.
The CEC issued instructions to the West Bengal chief secretary, director general of police, Kolkata police commissioner and directors general of central armed police forces, along with all district magistrates, superintendents of police and other officials, to maintain continuous patrolling in sensitive areas, he said.
"Those responsible for inciting violence and carrying out acts of vandalism must be arrested immediately," the official said, quoting the CEC's instruction.
The chief election commissioner also stressed the need for swift and firm enforcement of the law, he added.
This directive came amid concerns over law and order in parts of the state, with the Election Commission closely monitoring the situation, he added.
"We have been asked to remain on high alert and ensure that any attempt to disturb peace is dealt with firmly," a senior police officer said.
The state authorities have intensified vigil across districts, with coordinated efforts between the police and central forces to prevent any untoward incident, he added.
The assembly elections were held in West Bengal in two phases - April 23 and 29. The counting of votes took place on May 4.
The BJP sealed a landslide victory with 207 seats in the 294-member assembly, ending the TMC's uninterrupted 15-year rule in the state.
