Maharashtra Elections 2024: Pune Police Seizes Illegal Liquor Worth ₹7.63 Crore During Model Code Of Conduct

Pune district led the state in confiscations during the Model Code of Conduct period for the Assembly elections. Illegal goods worth over ₹7.63 crore were seized, as stated by District Collector Dr Suhas Divase. This represents nearly 25% of all seizures across Maharashtra, a notable accomplishment that earned praise for Pune Superintendent of State Excise, Charan Singh Rajput, from Dr Divase.

Under the leadership of State Excise Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryavanshi and District Collector Dr Divase, several task forces were established from 15 October 2024 to ensure strict law enforcement. These teams registered 1,100 offences and arrested 1,042 individuals while seizing 234 vehicles during their operations.

Seizure Details

The confiscated items included various types of liquor and other substances. The breakdown is as follows: Beer - 3,951 BL; Capsules - 32 units; Country Liquor - 4,498 BL; Indian-Made Foreign Liquor - 4,052 BL; Goa-Made Liquor - 233 BL; Illicit Handcrafted Liquor - 1,15,564 BL; Handcrafted Liquor Chemicals - 2,79,380 BL; Wine - 485 BL; Toddy - 6,275 litres; Other Items - 622 BL.

The total value of the seized vehicles and materials amounted to ₹7,63,34,231. This operation was overseen by Deputy Commissioners Prasad Surve and Sagar Dhomkar and led by Superintendent Charan Singh Rajput. The task forces focused on unauthorised liquor production and sales.

Crackdown on Illicit Activities

The operation targeted illegal liquor production and distribution activities. Raids were conducted on dhabas and illicit toddy operations. Of the registered cases, 1,042 were "traceable" offences while 58 were deemed "non-traceable." This comprehensive crackdown aimed to curb illegal activities effectively.

A dry day has been declared for vote counting day on 23 November 2024 across all constituencies. Licensed liquor outlets will remain closed until official results are announced. This measure is part of efforts to maintain order during the election process.

Superintendent Rajput encouraged citizens to report any illegal liquor activities by contacting the toll-free helpline at 1800-233-9999 or reaching out to the State Excise Pune Division's office at 020-26127321.