Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh : In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor trafficking, Lalbag Police in Rajnandgaon district arrested two alleged bootleggers, including a woman, during a special anti-illegal alcohol operation conducted in the Pendri area. Authorities seized a large quantity of illicit liquor, cash from alleged sales, and a three-wheeler Activa vehicle reportedly used for transportation and distribution.
According to police officials, illegal liquor was allegedly being sold openly in residential colonies and market areas, creating public concern and attracting increased police surveillance. Acting on confidential information, the Lalbag Police team carried out raids at multiple locations on May 27 as part of an ongoing campaign against unlawful alcohol trade.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Superintendent of Police Ankita Sharma, with guidance from Additional Superintendent of Police Kirtan Rathore and City Superintendent of Police Vaishali Jain. The raids were led by Lalbag Police Station in-charge Inspector Ramesh Patel and his team.
In the first raid, police arrested Hina Sahu, 46, wife of the late Virendra Sahu and a resident of Atal Awas under Lalbag police jurisdiction. She was allegedly caught selling illegal liquor near the Judicial Employees Residential Complex in Pendri.
Police seized:
- 37 half-bottles of โSholeโ country-made plain liquor
- Approximately 13.875 bulk liters of alcohol
- โน500 in alleged sale proceeds
- One three-wheeler Activa vehicle used for transportation
The total value of the seized property was estimated at โน36,420.
In a separate operation near Atal Awas Market Square in Pendri, police arrested Ashish Gupta, 30, son of Preet Ram Gupta and a resident of Atal Awas Pendri. He was allegedly caught red-handed with 85 quarter bottles of country-made plain liquor.
From his possession, officers recovered:
- Around 6.300 bulk liters of liquor
- โน300 in alleged sale proceeds
Police registered cases against both accused under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act and subsequently sent them to judicial custody.
Authorities stated that preventive action had reportedly been taken against both individuals in the past as well, indicating their alleged involvement in repeated illegal liquor-related activities.
Following the operation, police officials said the crackdown has created panic among illegal liquor traders operating in the area. Lalbag Police further warned that strict action against narcotics, bootlegging, and illegal alcohol businesses will continue aggressively in the coming days.
Law enforcement agencies have urged residents to report illegal liquor sales and suspicious activities to help maintain law and order and curb the spread of illicit alcohol distribution in residential neighborhoods.
