New Delhi, July 1 (IANS) In a major crackdown on interstate liquor smuggling, Delhi Police’s South District team busted an illicit liquor racket and recovered 57 boxes of country-made and IMFL liquor while apprehending a habitual bootlegger in the Maidan Garhi area, officials said on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by South District, Delhi Police, the operation was carried out by the staff of Police Post Bhati Mines, Police Station Maidan Garhi, during intensified checking at Jheel Khurd Picket.

The police said the team intercepted a vehicle carrying a large consignment of illicit liquor intended for illegal sale in Delhi.

“57 boxes containing 2,836 quarters of country-made and IMFL liquor meant for illegal sale in Delhi were recovered, and the driver, Balraj @ Balle, was apprehended and legal action was initiated,” the press note stated.

Police also confirmed that one car used for transportation was seized during the operation.

The accused has been identified as Balraj @ Balle, son of Hansa Ram, resident of Badi Bhati Kalan, New Delhi, aged 39 years, who has a prior criminal history in excise-related cases.

“Involved in more than five cases under the Delhi Excise Act,” the press release noted in its profile of the accused.

A case under relevant provisions of the Delhi Excise Act has been registered, and further investigation is underway to trace the source of the illicit liquor, the ownership of the vehicle, and the wider smuggling network.

According to police, the recovery included both country-made liquor and IMFL. The seized consignment comprised seven boxes (336 quarters) of Royal Green Whisky and 50 boxes (2,500 quarters) of Desi Sharab, totalling 2,836 quarters.

The operation was conducted by a police team comprising Sub Inspector Vinod Bhati (IC/PP Bhati Mines), ASI Rajbir, Head Constable Rakesh, HC Anil Kumar, HC Jitender Kumar and HC Harish Chander, under the supervision of the SHO, Police Station Maidan Garhi, and overall monitoring of the ACP, Mehrauli.

Officials said sustained vigilance and continuous checking led to the successful seizure of a “huge consignment of illicit liquor” and the arrest of a habitual offender. Further investigation is in progress to identify other members of the supply chain involved in the racket.

“The sustained vigilance and continuous checking by the staff of PP Bhati Mines resulted in the successful seizure of a huge consignment of illicit liquor and the apprehension of a habitual bootlegger,” the release added.

–IANS

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