Liquor worth over ₹5 lakh seized from hotel parking lot in Sola, three accused on the run

In a major crackdown on illicit liquor smuggling, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) conducted a raid in the parking area of Hotel Parishram Elegant on Science City Road in Sola, Ahmedabad, seizing 1,352 bottles and cans of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth over ₹5.13 lakh.

Acting on a tip-off, the SMC team intercepted a vehicle suspected of transporting illegal liquor. The raid, which took place late on 4 March 2025, also led to the seizure of a car worth ₹5 lakh, a mobile phone valued at ₹5,000, and ₹2,500 in cash. The total value of seized items (muddamal) stands at ₹10.21 lakh, police officials confirmed.

The arrested individual has been identified as Hardik alias Madho Vinodrai Madhvani, the driver of the vehicle and a resident of Amreli. He has been booked under multiple sections of the Gujarat Prohibition Act and also under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023. 

Three other accused, including the sender and intended receiver of the liquor consignment, are currently absconding.

Harsanji Luni, resident of Rajasthan, is believed to be the sender of the consignment.

 Anil Chawda, resident of Baharpara, Amreli, is believed to be the receiver.

The owner of the seized vehicle (whose identity is yet to be ascertained.

According to officials, both Hardik Madhvani and Anil Chawda are previously listed offenders in prohibition-related cases.

The seized liquor was reportedly being transported in violation of Gujarat’s strict prohibition laws. Police suspect that the vehicle was being used as a mobile storage unit for distribution within the city, particularly in high-demand areas.

Officials from Sola High Court Police Station, where the case has been registered, said that further investigation is underway to trace the absconding accused and uncover the full scale of the illicit network.