Excise officials during one of the raids.
Credit: Special Arrangement
The Excise Department seized over 716 litres of illegally held duty-free and defence liquor worth more than Rs 46 lakh during raids across the city on January 29 and 30.
The raids were conducted in Nagarbhavi, Dasarahalli, Basaveshwaranagar, and the basement of a PG accommodation in Kamakshipalya.
Officials discovered 538 litres of illegal liquor worth Rs 39 lakh in Basaveshwaranagar, while 163 litres were found in the PG basement. They also seized 7 litres of illegal liquor and a two-wheeler in Dasarahalli, and 8.25 litres along with another two-wheeler in Nagarbhavi. The two-wheelers were valued at Rs 80,000 each.
Suicide attempt
The prime suspect, Jagannatha KV, attempted suicide by consuming toilet cleaning liquid, but was rushed to a hospital by excise officials. He is currently recovering.
The total value of the seized liquor and vehicles is estimated at Rs 47.7 lakh.
According to the Excise Department, the operation prevented loss of an estimated Rs 29 lakh to the state revenue.