Nagpur: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Central Railway’s Nagpur Division recovered unclaimed bags containing foreign liquor from a train during a special checking drive conducted under “Operation Satark”, aimed at preventing illegal transportation of contraband and ensuring passenger safety.

According to railway officials, the operation was carried out on March 10, 2026, when an RPF team along with the Dog Squad conducted a surprise inspection on Train No. 20494 Chandigarh–Madurai Express between Nagpur and Sevagram stations.

The team comprised RPF personnel along with a sniffer dog named Prince, which was deployed to detect suspicious items inside the train coaches.

Sniffer Dog Alerts Team to Suspicious Bags

When the train arrived at Nagpur Railway Station at around 8:55 am on Platform No. 2, the RPF team began a detailed search of the coaches with the help of the dog squad.

During the inspection, sniffer dog Prince alerted the team to three suspicious backpacks hanging inside the bathroom of the rear general coach. RPF personnel questioned passengers travelling in the coach, but no one claimed ownership of the bags.

Since the train had already departed from Nagpur, the RPF staff continued the journey up to Sevagram railway station and later returned to Nagpur on another train.

30 Bottles of Foreign Liquor Recovered

Upon opening the bags for inspection, officials recovered 30 bottles of foreign liquor worth approximately ₹52,450.

The seized liquor included:

• 3 bottles of Amrut Amalgam (750 ml)
• 10 bottles of 100 Pipers (750 ml)
• 1 bottle of 100 Pipers 12 Years (750 ml)
• 15 bottles of Royal General (375 ml)

The recovered liquor bottles were later handed over to the State Excise Department in Nagpur for further legal action.

Case Registered Under Maharashtra Prohibition Act

Following the seizure, the State Excise Department registered a case against an unidentified person under Section 65(E) of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act. Further investigation is currently underway to identify the person responsible for transporting the liquor.

RPF Praises Dog Squad’s Alertness

Railway authorities appreciated the alertness and efficiency of the RPF Dog Squad, noting that the timely alert from the sniffer dog played a crucial role in detecting the suspicious baggage during the operation.

Officials said that special drives like Operation Satark will continue across the Nagpur Division to curb illegal activities on trains and railway premises.

Passengers have also been urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious baggage or activities to railway staff or the RPF to help maintain safety and security on trains.