Gujarat's Battle Against Bootlegging: Record Seizures and Strict Measures

Over the past two years, Gujarat seized liquor worth over Rs 42 crore from borders with Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. As a dry state, Gujarat enforces strict prohibition laws, resulting in over 32,000 cases against illegal consumption. Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi highlights ongoing efforts to curb bootlegging activities.

In the past two years, Gujarat authorities have seized liquor valued at more than Rs 42 crore from border checkposts with Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, as revealed in the state's assembly. Gujarat maintains strict prohibition laws, making it a dry state where alcohol consumption is fiercely regulated.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, overseeing the Home portfolio, disclosed that 10,49,855 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 1,59,265 bottles of beer were intercepted, valued at Rs 38.89 crore and Rs 3.33 crore respectively. The seizures were part of the ongoing efforts to prevent illegal liquor from entering Gujarat via its borders.

In response to inquiries from Congress MLA Imran Khedawala and AAP MLA Gopal Italia, Sanghavi further reported that over 32,000 cases of unauthorized liquor consumption were registered in Ahmedabad and Vadodara alone. Police have intensified preventive operations, declaring repeat offenders as 'listed bootleggers' and initiating strict legal actions under various prohibition laws to deter such activities.

(With inputs from agencies.)