Hidden Compartment In Bolero Exposes Liquor Smuggling Bid; Sarkhej Police Seize Contraband Worth ₹4.04 Lakh

Sarkhej Police have arrested two alleged bootleggers and seized 2,812 bottles and beer cans of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) after uncovering a specially designed hidden compartment in a Bolero pickup allegedly being used to transport liquor.
The operation near Sanand Circle led to the seizure of liquor worth ₹4.04 lakh, along with the vehicle and two mobile phones, taking the total value of the confiscated property to ₹11.64 lakh. Two other accused are absconding.

Hidden Cavity Found In Bolero Pickup

The operation was carried out by the Surveillance Team of Sarkhej Police Station after officers received specific information about liquor being stored at a godown behind the Signair-02 building in Khanand Estate near Sanand Circle.
During the search, police noticed a Mahindra Bolero Max Pickup parked outside the premises. Although its cargo bed appeared empty, officers became suspicious after spotting a rope attached to the rear of the vehicle.
When police pulled the vehicle forward, its loading platform reportedly slid backwards, exposing a specially fabricated compartment between the driver's cabin and the cargo bed.
The concealed cavity was allegedly packed with bottles of IMFL.

2,812 Bottles And Beer Cans Seized

Police also searched the adjoining godown and recovered additional liquor stored in blue plastic bags placed on an iron cot.
The seizure comprised 2,668 bottles of IMFL and 144 beer cans, taking the total to 2,812 bottles and cans valued at ₹4.04 lakh.
Police also seized two mobile phones worth ₹10,000 and the Bolero pickup, valued at ₹7.50 lakh.
The total value of the seized property was estimated at ₹11.64 lakh.

Two Arrested, Two Others Wanted

The arrested accused have been identified as 27-year-old Dinesh Kumar Muknaram Bishnoi, a native of Barmer district in Rajasthan, and 37-year-old Mohmand Farooq Abdulshah Shahamdar, a resident of Juhapura in Ahmedabad.
Police have also named Haroon Abdulshah Shahamdar, a Juhapura resident, and another suspect identified only as Sanchor as wanted accused.
Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the two absconding suspects.

Both Arrested Men Have Criminal Records

Police said both arrested accused have previous criminal records.
Mohmand Farooq has previously been booked in prohibition and criminal cases at Vejalpur Police Station, while Dinesh Kumar has faced prohibition-related cases in Rajkot and Banaskantha.
An FIR has been registered under various provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act.

Probe Into Liquor's Source Underway

Police are now investigating the source of the liquor and its intended destination. Officers are also working to identify other people allegedly involved in the smuggling network.
The discovery of the specially fabricated compartment has highlighted the methods allegedly being used to conceal and transport liquor into Gujarat, where prohibition remains in force.