Four arrested in Bhavnagar liquor raids, seizure worth ₹1.21 lakh

Police in Bhavnagar city and district in Gujarat have arrested four persons and seized liquor, including beer worth ₹1.21 lakh in three separate incidents, officials said on Wednesday. Three cases have been registered against six individuals in connection with the illegal possession and sale of alcohol.

In the first incident, the Gangajaliya police raided a rented house in Kanbiwad Dhajagrawali Sheri area of Lakhawad in Bhavnagar city. The police found 60 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor, valued at ₹41,266, stored in a room on the third floor of the house. The liquor was allegedly kept there by Sahil alias Bhuro Ashokbhai Jadav. A case has been registered against him.

In another operation, Gangajaliya police acted on a tip-off that three individuals were standing near the Bhilwara Circle rickshaw stand with liquor. The police arrested Kalpesh alias KP Pathubhai Prajapati, a resident of Chitra, and Dhanji alias Dhanu Laljibhai Makwana and Bakul Harshadray Pandya, both residents of Anandnagar. A search led to the recovery of 139 bottles of liquor and 11 tins of beer, collectively valued at ₹26,211. A case has been registered in this connection.

In the third incident, the Gariyadhar police raided a farm in the Thoth area of Mandvi village following information that liquor was being stored and sold there. During the search, officers found 36 bottles of liquor and nine tins of beer hidden in a pile of hornbeam leaves, along with ₹53,780 in cash. Rahul Bhupatbhai Der, a resident of Mandvi, was arrested from the spot.

During interrogation, Der reportedly told the police that the liquor had been supplied by Madhu Hathibhai Gowalia of Raipar. A case has been registered against both accused.