Gujarat logged 48,000 complaints on bootlegging, but citizens say action is missing

Gujarat has received more than 48,000 complaints related to illegal liquor dens and bootlegging in the past three years, but the state has not clarified what action was taken in response. The Home Department has acknowledged the volume of complaints, fuelling questions about the implementation of Prohibition and the state’s enforcement priorities.

Officials have not provided details on how many cases led to raids, arrests or prosecutions, despite repeated assurances from senior leaders. The gap between public reporting and visible enforcement has become a key point of criticism.

Deputy CM’s assurance yet little change on the ground

The Deputy Chief Minister has publicly stated that raids would be ordered “within 24 hours” of any complaint involving liquor or drugs. However, thousands of complaints have accumulated while illegal operations continue to function openly, residents say.

Three-year complaint data

According to figures shared by the Home Department:

• 2020–21: 14,214 complaints

• 2021–22: 17,857 complaints

• 2023–24: 16,316 complaints

This amounts to 48,387 complaints over three years. The government has not disclosed how many culminated in enforcement action.

Political allegations and rising public support

Despite Prohibition, liquor and drug networks continue to operate “fearlessly”, with critics alleging political patronage. MLA Jignesh Mevani has launched a statewide campaign targeting what he describes as a nexus between bootleggers and influential individuals. His campaign has drawn significant public backing across Gujarat.

Hotspots across districts

Complaints have been filed across nearly every district, with Ahmedabad and Surat registering the highest numbers. Residents say the illegal liquor trade continues to thrive despite official claims of strict action. More than 1,500 complaints reach the police annually, but the scale of enforcement remains unclear.

Rewards announced but top bootleggers still at large

In 2024, the State Monitoring Cell introduced cash rewards of ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh for information leading to the capture of key bootleggers. More than a year later, major accused persons are yet to be arrested, prompting questions about why a police force known for rapid crackdowns has struggled to apprehend leaders of the liquor trade.

Attacks on police highlight state of impunity

Bootleggers have attacked police personnel 28 times in the past three years, injuring 21 officers. Authorities say 29 accused persons remain absconding. These incidents have reinforced the perception that bootleggers operate with political protection, undermining both enforcement and morale within the police force.

Citizens question Prohibition’s effectiveness

For many, the persistence of illegal liquor networks reflects deep flaws in the enforcement regime. While the government repeatedly asserts that it is taking strict action, residents argue that Prohibition has become more of a slogan, even as the liquor–drug problem intensifies across the state.