Major bootlegging operation busted in Kheda: Liquor worth ₹41 lakh seized

In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor trafficking, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) Prohibition team, in coordination with Chaklasi Police of Kheda, conducted a swift raid in Sodpur village, near Kheda district. The operation resulted in the seizure of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) with an estimated value exceeding ₹41.45 lakh.

Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement intercepted a vehicle transporting 17,651 bottles and tins of IMFL. Alongside the liquor, authorities confiscated a transport vehicle (₹15 lakh), two mobile phones (₹10,000), and ₹1,060 in cash. Additionally, tools and materials believed to be connected to the illicit activity were recovered, including a metallic hook (₹1 lakh), a tarpaulin (₹5,000), and a rope (₹1,000). The total value of the seized items (muddamal) amounts to ₹57.62 lakh.

Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case– Devaram Rajuram Kunkana, a resident of Barmer, Rajasthan, who was driving the vehicle, and Alpeshbhai Ganpatbhai Sodha, a resident of Paldi, Nadiad, suspected of guiding the route.

Furthermore, three other individuals are currently wanted in connection with the operation: Arvind alias Jafar Andarsinh Sodha Parmar (Paldi, Nadiad), suspected of ordering the IMFL consignment; Hari Omji Seth, allegedly the financier or supplier of the liquor; and the unidentified owner of the truck.

A case has been registered under various sections of the Prohibition Act and relevant clauses of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The arrested individuals have been transferred to Chaklasi Police Station for further investigation as authorities continue their efforts to locate and arrest the remaining suspects.