Smugglers ram vehicles during high-speed chase in Ahmedabad, ₹9 lakh worth liquor seized

In a crackdown on liquor smuggling in dry Gujarat, the Ahmedabad Crime Prevention Branch intercepted a white Innova car laden with illegal Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer tins, valued at over ₹9.45 lakh early on Monday morning. The dramatic chase ended at the Chimanbhai Bridge near the RTO Circle, where the suspects rammed multiple vehicles while attempting to flee, causing extensive damage and minor injuries.

Police have arrested two persons, Ashokkumar Nagjiram Rabari(19), a labourer from Jalore district in Rajasthan, and Ashish Ramshridhar Kori (27), a resident of Haripura, Khokhara in Ahmedabad. Seven others have been named as absconding co-accused in the case, including individuals from both Rajasthan and Ahmedabad, allegedly involved in the organised smuggling operation.

High-speed chase and collision

Acting on a tip-off, a team of crime branch officers laid a trap near the Ranip RTO Circle. Around 1 am, the suspect white Innova with altered number plates sped towards the checkpoint, prompting a coordinated chase. Despite being intercepted, the driver attempted to plough through the barricade, colliding with seven vehicles, including a BMW, Maruti Alto, two auto-rickshaws, three Maruti Ertiga and WagonR cars. Damages to the vehicles have been estimated at over ₹13.9 lakh.

Seizures and modus operandi

Upon inspection, officers found 79 boxes of IMFL and beer cans, totalling 3,108 bottles and tins, hidden beneath black cloth and khaki covers in the vehicle. The seized contraband includes Green Label, All Seasons, Royal Stag, and Officer's Choice whisky along with Kingfisher beer.

Additional items recovered

Five mobile phones worth ₹1.8 lakh, Cash amounting to ₹410, The Innova car, valued at ₹13 lakh and four false number plates.

The total value of the seizure is estimated at ₹24.21lakh .

The arrested duo confessed during questioning that they were part of a syndicate transporting liquor from Rajasthan to Gujarat for distribution to local contacts. The primary supplier has been identified as Mewabhai Becharabhai Rabari from Sanchore, Rajasthan. Other key suspects include individuals based in Danilimda, Thakkarnagar, Hatkeshwar and Behrampura areas of Ahmedabad.

Legal action and investigation

Police have invoked multiple provisions under the Gujarat Prohibition Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Motor Vehicles Act, including rash driving, endangering human life, and possession of contraband without permit.