Nagpur: With the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections scheduled for January 15, intensified enforcement by police has led to a major crackdown on illegal liquor, creating ripples across the city. In a significant pre-poll action, the Crime Branch Chain Snatching Squad seized illicit liquor worth over ₹1.22 lakh from the Jaripatka police station limits in the wee hours of Wednesday, January 14, registering a case under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.
The action was taken under Crime No. 27/2026 at Jaripatka Police Station under Section 65(e) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. Police arrested Vikas Babulal Dahat (43), a resident of Plot No. 40, Indira Nagar, Galli No. 10, Jaripatka, Nagpur, while another accused, Anil Khare (42) of the same locality, is currently absconding.
During the operation, police seized a large quantity of illegally stocked liquor, including:
- 585 bottles of country liquor ‘Santri’ (90 ml) valued at ₹23,400
- 605 bottles of country liquor ‘Bhingri Santra No.1’ (90 ml) valued at ₹24,200
- 69 bottles of Imperial Blue whisky (180 ml) valued at ₹15,180
- One Activa scooter (MH 49 X 2527) valued at ₹60,000
The total value of the seized liquor and vehicle stands at ₹1,22,780.
According to police, the accused was found in possession of the illegal liquor stock without any valid license and was caught red-handed during the operation. The arrested accused and the seized property have been handed over to Jaripatka Police Station for further legal action.
The seizure comes at a crucial time as Nagpur goes to polls on January 15, with authorities maintaining strict vigilance to prevent illegal liquor distribution, which is often linked to voter inducement during civic elections. Police officials stated that such enforcement drives will continue across the city to ensure free and fair polling during the NMC elections.
