MUNGELI — Police in Chhattisgarh’s Mungeli district arrested two men and seized illegal liquor and a motorcycle as part of an anti-smuggling crackdown under “Operation Baaz,” officials said Tuesday.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police Bhojram Patel of the Mungeli Police.
Seizure and Arrests
Acting on a tip-off received on March 2, a joint team from Jarhagaon Police Station and the cyber cell set up a checkpoint near Pathariya Mod in the Jarhagaon area. Two suspects were stopped and searched.
Police identified the accused as Ajay Sahu, 27, and Rahul Sahu, 23, both residents of Jhajhpuri Khurd Navapara village under Jarhagaon police station limits.
During the search, officers recovered:
- 80 quarter bottles (180 ml each) of country-made liquor labeled “Desi Plain,” totaling 14.4 bulk liters
- A black Hero HF Deluxe motorcycle (registration CG 28 L 0538) allegedly used for transporting the liquor
The total estimated value of the seized liquor is ₹6,400 (approximately $770), while the motorcycle is valued at around ₹40,000 (approximately $4,800).
Legal Action
The accused were unable to produce valid documents for possession or transportation of the liquor. Police registered a case under Sections 34(2) and 59(a) of the Excise Act at Jarhagaon Police Station (Crime No. 34/26).
Both individuals were arrested and later sent to judicial custody.
Ongoing Crackdown
“Operation Baaz” is an ongoing district-wide campaign targeting illegal liquor trade and narcotics activities. The initiative aims to curb unlawful sale, storage, and transportation of alcohol and other intoxicants.
Police officials said strict enforcement measures will continue across Mungeli district to deter illegal trade and maintain law and order.