Liquor Worth ₹3.06 Lakh Seized From Hyundai Creta in Ahmedabad Rural; One Arrested

Kanbha police recover 1,896 liquor bottles and beer cans during a raid on the Pasunj-Kuha road; vehicle and mobile phone also seized, taking the total value of the haul to ₹13.16 lakh.

Kanbha police in Ahmedabad Rural seized Indian-made foreign liquor and beer worth ₹3.06 lakh from a Hyundai Creta allegedly transporting the contraband on the Pasunj-Kuha road on Sunday. One person was arrested, while another allegedly fled after abandoning the vehicle during the raid.

According to the police complaint filed on October 11, the total value of the seized liquor, car and mobile phone was estimated at ₹13.16 lakh.

The arrested accused has been identified as Vijaykumar Narayanlal Meghwal, 28, a resident of Gamdi village in Rajasthan’s Dungarpur district. The second accused, Akashkumar Meena, a resident of Kherwada in Rajasthan, allegedly escaped from the spot.

Police act on tip-off, intercept vehicle

According to the complaint, a police team was on patrol when it received information that a white Hyundai Creta was travelling from Pasunj towards Kuha with a consignment of liquor.

When the vehicle approached, the police signalled the driver to stop. The driver allegedly pulled over a short distance ahead, got out and fled into nearby bushes. A search was conducted, but he could not be traced. Police detained Meghwal, who was seated in the passenger seat.

1,896 liquor bottles and beer cans recovered

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed cartons of liquor concealed beneath a black cloth on the middle seat, along with additional cartons in the boot. Given the quantity recovered, police took the vehicle to Kanbha police station, where the consignment was unloaded and counted.

The seizure comprised 1,896 bottles and beer cans belonging to five brands, including Green Label Export Special Whisky, White Lace orange-flavoured vodka, Royal Stag Deluxe Whisky and Kingfisher Regal Strong Premium Beer. The liquor was valued at ₹3.06 lakh.

Police also seized a Vivo Android mobile phone valued at approximately ₹10,000 and the Hyundai Creta, estimated to be worth ₹10 lakh. The total value of the seized items was ₹13.16 lakh.

Police suspect use of incorrect number plates

During the inspection, officers allegedly found discrepancies in the vehicle’s registration plates. The registration number displayed on the front and rear plates was different, while another plate bearing a registration number was found inside the car.

Police said an online verification using the vehicle’s engine and chassis numbers indicated that the displayed registration plates were incorrect.

During questioning, Meghwal allegedly told investigators that he and Meena had brought the vehicle and that he had boarded it at Bichhiwada. He claimed that Meena was driving the car and fled after noticing the police.

Liquor samples sent for forensic examination

Police collected samples of the seized liquor for forensic examination and sealed the evidence.

A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Further investigation is under way to trace the absconding accused and establish the source and intended destination of the liquor consignment.