In Gujarat, the state's prohibition laws appear to be only on paper. Despite the official ban, illegal alcohol consumption continues to flourish.

Recent reports reveal a troubling trend – in the past three years alone, 6,529 police officers and 23,555 police personnel have faced disciplinary action in connection with raids on illegal alcohol and gambling operations.

This figure underscores a broader problem within the state’s law enforcement agencies.

The action by the state against its own police department shows that the crux of the problem lies in the close ties between law enforcement officials and illegal operators.

It is believed that the massive bribes exchanged between police and bootleggers or gambling racketeers enable these illicit activities to thrive under a veil of protection.

In response to mounting pressure, the Crime Branch has instituted a policy holding police officers and personnel accountable for illegal activities in their jurisdictions.

Yet, despite these measures, the continued prevalence of alcohol and gambling dens points to a troubling pattern of neglect and complicity within the police force.

The persistence of these issues, however, highlights a stark contrast between the state’s public stance on prohibition and the ground realities of enforcement, casting a shadow over Gujarat’s efforts to tackle its alcohol and gambling crises.

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