New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Continuing its crackdown against the illegal liquor trade in the national capital, the Special Staff of Delhi Police’s West District on Wednesday intercepted and arrested an alleged bootlegger involved in the transportation of illicit liquor. Police also seized 76 cartons of illegal liquor and a vehicle used for transporting the consignment.

According to Delhi Police, the operation was carried out within two days of an earlier seizure in which 31 cartons of illicit liquor were recovered from a car, indicating intensified action against bootlegging networks operating in the city.

Police said that on May 10, specific and credible information was received regarding the movement of a vehicle carrying a large consignment of illicit liquor from the Punjabi Bagh Flyover towards the Rajdhani College area. Acting swiftly on the input, the information was verified and shared with senior officers.

Subsequently, a dedicated police team led by Inspector Rajesh Maurya, in charge of Special Staff, comprising Sub Inspector Manish, ASI Manoj, ASI Ramesh Chand, Head Constable Dinesh and HC Sandeep, was constituted under the supervision of ACP/Operations Vijay Singh and overall supervision of senior district officers.

The team laid a strategic trap near Rajdhani College and, at around 5:40 p.m., intercepted the suspicious vehicle. When signalled to stop, the driver allegedly attempted to flee from the spot. However, the police team acted promptly and overpowered him after a brief chase.

The accused was identified as Mahender, a 44-year-old resident of Jahangir Puri, Delhi. During a thorough search of the vehicle, police recovered 76 cartons of illicit liquor, including “Desi Santra” country-made liquor and “Murthal No.1” liquor brands.

Police seized the liquor consignment along with the vehicle used in transportation. A case under Sections 33/38/58 of the Delhi Excise Act was registered at Rajouri Garden Police Station, and the accused was arrested. He has since been sent to judicial custody.

During interrogation, Mahender disclosed that he is married and the father of three children. He studied up to Class 5 and earlier worked at a biscuit factory in Budhpur, Alipur, Delhi. He allegedly told investigators that he became involved in the illegal liquor trade to earn quick money.

During sustained interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that he had supplied illicit liquor in Delhi on nearly 10 to 12 occasions in the past. He further disclosed that the liquor consignment and vehicle had been arranged by his associate, identified as Ashu, a resident of Swaroop Nagar, Delhi.

Police said the accused used to transport illicit liquor to pre-decided locations across Delhi, from where local bootleggers collected the consignments for further distribution. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend other individuals involved in the racket.

Further investigation is in progress to identify the complete supply chain, trace the source of procurement and uncover the wider illegal liquor syndicate operating in the region.

–IANS

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