SURAJPUR — Police in Chhattisgarh’s Surajpur district have intensified their crackdown on illegal liquor sales ahead of the Holi festival, arresting 14 individuals and seizing a large quantity of contraband alcohol worth over ₹117,000 (approximately $1,400).
The enforcement drive was carried out under the direction of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prashant Kumar Thakur as part of a district-wide campaign to curb illicit liquor trade and prevent festival-related disturbances.
Interstate Liquor Smuggling Foiled
On March 3, police from Chandni Police Station acted on a tip-off that four individuals were transporting a large quantity of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) from Madhya Pradesh into Surajpur for illegal sale in Thadpathar village.
After setting up a blockade near Biharpur Purantola village, officers intercepted two motorcycles and apprehended four suspects. Authorities seized a total of 376 bottles of liquor from the two vehicles, along with the motorcycles used for transportation. The accused were arrested under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act.
Car Seized with 350 Bottles of Liquor
In a separate operation on the night of March 2, Surajpur police set up a vehicle checkpoint and stopped a Santro car. Upon inspection, officers recovered 350 bottles (seven cartons) of Goa-brand liquor valued at ₹42,000. Two occupants of the vehicle were arrested, and the car was confiscated.
Mahua Liquor and Additional Seizures
Police from Basdei outpost also arrested a 55-year-old man in Jur village after seizing 9 liters of illegally stored mahua liquor intended for sale. In another case, eight bottles of Goa liquor were confiscated from a separate individual.
Additional raids led to the seizure of 25 bottles of liquor in Sapkara village and 3 liters of mahua liquor in Baijnathpur village.
Action Against Public Disturbances
Authorities also took action against four individuals accused of consuming alcohol and creating disturbances in public places. Cases were registered against them under Section 36(c)(1) of the Excise Act.
Ongoing Campaign
Surajpur police said the anti-liquor campaign will continue throughout the Holi festival period to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Officials have urged residents to celebrate responsibly and refrain from engaging in illegal alcohol trade or public misconduct.
The district police emphasized that strict monitoring and enforcement measures remain in place to prevent any untoward incidents during the festivities.