A clandestine factory manufacturing and selling fake premium liquor has been uncovered in Ahmedabad, despite the state’s prohibition on alcohol. The Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB) conducted a raid on a premises located in the Shahpur area of the city, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the initiation of a manhunt for the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

The PCB acted on a tip-off regarding illegal activities in the area. Upon raiding the site, officers discovered numerous counterfeit operations, which included repackaging low-cost Indian-made foreign liquor into bottles branded as premium products. The operation utilised substandard materials, such as fake caps and labels, contributing to the illicit nature of the business.

During the operation, authorities seized 227 sealed bottles containing Indian-made foreign liquor, as well as empty branded bottles, counterfeit stickers, caps, flavouring agents, and various equipment employed in the production process. The total estimated value of the confiscated items is approximately Rs 1.56 lakh.

Details of the Arrests and Investigation

The individuals arrested have been named as Mandeep Bhavsar, Kailash Bodana, Dev Patel, and Devang Jani. However, the principal suspect, identified as Vicky alias Mango Chauhan, who has a record of liquor smuggling, eluded capture and remains at large. Law enforcement agencies have formed multiple teams to locate and apprehend him.

Investigators have disclosed that Chauhan orchestrated the entire operation, while the four men operated under his direction. Mandeep Bhavsar was responsible for overseeing daily operations, receiving a monthly salary of Rs 35,000 for his role. Kailash Bodana was charged with obtaining inexpensive foreign liquor and empty bottles in exchange for a payment of Rs 10,000, while Dev Patel and Devang Jani were tasked with delivering the final product and received Rs 200 daily for their efforts.

According to PCB official JP Jadeja, the accused sourced empty bottles from scrap dealers and secured counterfeit labels and caps to enhance the authenticity of the liquor. When orders for branded liquor surfaced, they prepared the stock a day in advance, mixing less expensive liquor with water and flavouring agents before packaging it into premium brand containers.

Health Risks and Ongoing Investigations

The ongoing investigation has raised concerns regarding the ingredients used in the counterfeit products, particularly the nature of the flavouring agents and the potential inclusion of harmful chemicals. Authorities are prioritising the health and safety implications of this illicit trade.

A case has been officially registered under the Gujarat Prohibition Act at the Shahpur police station. Investigators are now delving into the distribution network linked to this operation, striving to uncover the extent to which the counterfeit premium liquor was supplied and whether additional individuals may have been involved in the scheme.

The PCB continues to gather evidence, aiming to fully dismantle the operation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to prevent future illicit activities related to alcohol production and sales in the region.

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