Major crackdown on illegal defence liquor in Bengaluru; goods worth Rs 26 lakh seized

Bengaluru: In a major crackdown on the smuggling of liquor meant exclusively for defence personnel, the Excise Department officials of Bengaluru Urban District-3 (BUD-3) have seized contraband and vehicles worth Rs 26 lakh in two separate operations this month.

According to a statement from the Deputy Commissioner of Excise (BUD-3), the operations were carried out under the guidance of the Excise Commissioner and Joint Commissioner (Enforcement and Investigation), Bengaluru Division (North).

Operation at Jnanabharathi

The first raid took place on January 1 near Vidyaniketan Public School on Ullal Road. A team led by Excise Deputy Superintendent Mallikarjuna Reddy and Inspector Rangaiah intercepted a car transporting 40 bottles (30 liters) of defence-only liquor.

The officials seized the vehicle and the alcohol, collectively valued at Rs 9 lakh. The accused, identified as S Kiran (33), a resident of Jnanajyotinagar, has been served a notice to appear for investigation.

Intercepted on highway

The second haul occurred on January 24 on NH-48 (Bengaluru-Tumakuru Road) near Madavara village in Kengeri. Acting on a tip-off, officials intercepted a vehicle heading out of the city and found 49 bottles (36.75 liters) of illegal defence liquor.

The total value of the seized goods and the vehicle in this instance is estimated at Rs 17 lakh. The accused, G Govindaraj (27), a resident of Ballari, has also been issued a notice for inquiry.

In total, the Excise Department has confiscated 66.75 liters of defence liquor and two cars during the month of January. Cases have been registered against both individuals as the department intensifies its vigil against the illegal diversion of Canteen Stores Department (CSD) stocks into the open market.