Published on: April 3, 2025
By: [BTI]
Location: Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh
Police Crack Down on Illegal Liquor Trade in Dongargarh
Rajnandgaon (Nandgaon Times): In a major crackdown on liquor smuggling, Dongargarh police have arrested eight fugitive accused involved in an illegal liquor racket. The accused were found to be storing a large stock of illicit liquor at a farmhouse located on Karwari Road.
Discovery of Illegal Liquor Stock
On March 29, 2025, the police received intelligence about a large stockpile of illicit liquor at the farmhouse of Rohit Netam alias Sonu in Karwari Latmarra. The information suggested that the liquor, manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, was being repackaged into small pouches with fake Chhattisgarh labels for illegal sale.
Key Seizures from the Raid:
- 432 cartons of illicit liquor (3,888 bulk liters) worth ₹27,32,670
- Empty bottles and packaging materials
- Goa Whisky stickers and hologram bundles
Following the raid, the farmhouse owner fled the scene, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to track him down.
Arrests and Investigation
During the probe, police analyzed CCTV footage and cyber evidence, which led them to the accused. A series of raids were conducted at various locations, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals.
List of Arrested Accused:
- Rohit Netam alias Sonu (25 years) – Wanted in multiple excise and criminal cases.
- Daljeet Singh alias Raja (28 years) – Previously arrested for kidnapping and POCSO Act violations.
- Mohit Kurre (22 years) – Facing charges under the Excise Act.
- Ravi Kandra (35 years) – Involved in gambling and liquor smuggling.
- Siddharth Phule (35 years) – Also booked under the Excise Act.
- Sonu Yadav (25 years) – Accused in assault and threat cases.
- Vishal Mishra (23 years) – Under police investigation.
- Bhuvan Kandra (21 years) – Linked to multiple criminal offenses.
Police Action and Future Investigation
The crackdown was carried out under the directives of IGP Deepak Kumar Jha and SP Mohit Garg. Key officers, including ASP Rahul Dev Sharma and SDOP Ashish Kunjam, played a crucial role in the operation.
Items Seized During Investigation:
- 432 cartons of liquor
- Goa Whisky labels and holograms
- Five scooters used for transportation
Police are now tracing other suspects linked to this network, and more arrests are expected soon.
FAQs
1. What was the total value of the seized liquor?
The confiscated liquor was valued at approximately ₹27,32,670.
2. How was the smuggling operation carried out?
The accused repackaged Madhya Pradesh-manufactured liquor into fake Chhattisgarh-branded bottles for resale.
3. What legal actions are being taken against the accused?
All arrested individuals are facing excise and criminal charges, and further legal proceedings are underway.
4. Will there be more arrests in this case?
Yes, police are actively investigating other individuals involved, and additional arrests are expected soon.
