The Maharashtra Excise Department has reportedly dismantled a counterfeit liquor operation in Pune and the adjacent Ahilyanagar districts, seizing liquor valued at ₹11.55 lakh. This operation occurred on Friday, just days before the Diwali festival, a time when alcohol consumption typically increases.

Authorities acted on a tip-off regarding the storage of fake foreign liquor in Bangarwadi, located in Belhe village of Junnar taluka. A team from the Pune division of the State Excise Department conducted a raid on the premises, uncovering a significant quantity of counterfeit liquor.

During the raid, officials seized 96 bottles of Royal Stag whisky, which were allegedly equipped with fake caps and labels. Additionally, they found 5,040 bottles of GM Santra country liquor. The total value of the liquor recovered from this location was assessed at ₹4.27 lakh.

Three Arrested in Connection with the Racket

Three individuals were arrested during the operation, identified as Sachin Ganpat Gadge, aged 40, and Tahir Yusuf Shaikh, aged 43, both hailing from Nimgaon Sawa in Junnar taluka. The third accused, Sagar Ramdas Borude, aged 27, is a resident of a village in Parner.

Following their arrest, the suspects allegedly provided information leading to the discovery of another stockpile of counterfeit liquor at Alkuti village in Parner taluka, within Ahilyanagar district. This subsequent raid resulted in the recovery of 1,392 bottles of Royal Stag whisky and 1,728 bottles of Imperial Blue whisky, both of which were also reportedly carrying counterfeit caps and labels.

The estimated value of the liquor seized during this second operation was approximately ₹7.28 lakh. Combining the total recoveries from both locations, the overall value of the seized liquor stands at ₹11.55 lakh.

Ongoing Investigations into Counterfeit Operations

A case has been registered against the three arrested individuals under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act of 1949. Investigations are ongoing to determine the origins of the counterfeit liquor, the intended distribution network, and whether additional individuals may be implicated in this illegal operation.

The Excise Department emphasised the importance of tackling counterfeit liquor, especially during festive seasons when demand surges. They are committed to ensuring that such illegal activities are curtailed to protect consumers and maintain public safety.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to explore various avenues to identify any further connections to the counterfeit liquor trade. The focus will also be on preventing future occurrences and safeguarding the integrity of the liquor market in the region.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share