Nagpur: Acting on confidential information amid the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming state assembly elections, Maharashtra’s State Excise Department conducted a swift raid, seizing an illegal stock of liquor brought from another state here on Sunday. 

The seizure was made in Om Nagar on Koradi Road, Nagpur, within the jurisdiction of Jaripatka Police Station, at a property owned by Vijay Dharamdas Asudani in Sant Dnyaneshwar Society, Plot No. 31.

The confiscated liquor, originating from Haryana where it is legally sold but banned in Maharashtra, included Scotch whisky, vodka, and other alcohol brands intended for unlawful sale in the state. Amit Bhagchand Chelani, the stock owner, was apprehended during a sting operation when he arrived with his vehicle.

Upon inspection of the vehicle and property, authorities discovered 448 sealed bottles of Scotch whiskey concealed in the vehicle’s trunk and within the residence. The total value of the seized goods, including the liquor, vehicle, and mobile devices, amounted to Rs 38,69,431.

Three individuals were arrested under various provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act of 1949, including Amit Bhagchand Chelani, assistant Rajkumar Hiranand Ramdasani, and property owner Vijay Dharamdas Asudani.

This operation was led by Inspectors Mangesh Kawale and Shailesh Ajmire, with significant efforts by Assistant Sub-Inspectors Shirish Deshmukh and Sameer Saeed, along with constables Dhawal Tijare, Ankush Bhorkare, and Prashant Ghavale. Further investigation is being conducted by Inspector Vikram More of the State Excise Department, Nagpur.

Deputy Superintendent Atul Kothalwar and Inspectors Mohan Patil, Anand Pawar, Jitendra Pawar, Jayendra Jathar, and Balaji Chalaniwar, along with Assistant Inspectors Sagar Wankhede, Suresh Rajgade, Nakul Sone, and other officers, were actively involved in the successful operation.