In a significant operation, Chandauli police dismantled an interstate liquor smuggling gang in Varanasi, resulting in the arrest of five individuals. The operation, which involved Alinagar police, SWAT, and a surveillance team, led to the seizure of 775 cartons of Indian-made foreign liquor, valued at Rs 1.2 crore. This haul, totaling 6,935 litres, was destined for Bihar, where it was intended to be sold at inflated prices.
Chandauli CO (PDDU Nagar) Arun Kumar Singh said that, based on a tip-off, Alinagar police launched a checking drive near Singhitali Bridge on NH-19 and attempted to stop a truck. During the search, police recovered liquor hidden beneath 70 sacks. During interrogation, the accused revealed that an SUV was moving ahead of the truck and providing updates about police locations.
The accused told police that the liquor was purchased at lower prices from Delhi and Chandigarh and was being transported to Bihar for sale at higher rates. The bottles were marked “For Sale in UT Chandigarh Only”, and their barcodes were found scratched off. However, the driver allegedly tried to run over the police team and escape. The team quickly surrounded the truck and stopped it. Three accused, identified as Gulam Mustafa, Sheikh Khalid and Sabir Alam, were arrested. The seized liquor included bottles of different brands of IMFL. Acting immediately, police intercepted the SUV and arrested two more accused, identified as Razauddin and Om Chinmay Panda. Five ATM cards were recovered from the car. A case has been registered at Alinagar police station under relevant sections, and both the truck and SUV were also seized.