Rudraprayag police have arrested one person after recovering 131 bottles of illegal liquor from 3 animals at the Gaurikund barrier. Officers said the consignment was being transported through the area using mule traffic, prompting further efforts to identify those who fled.
The seizure took place on 25 September during checking by personnel from Gaurikund police out. The operation forms part of a district-wide drive ordered by the Superintendent of Police, Rudraprayag, to curb the illegal movement of liquor.
Police stop animals coming from Sonprayag
The police team stopped an animal handler travelling from the Sonprayag side. Officers said he appeared nervous during the inspection. 2 more handlers following behind abandoned their animals and ran away when they saw the police.
Police then searched the loads carried by all 3 animals. Along with other material, officers found liquor bottles packed across 11 cartons. The entire consignment was taken into police custody.
The arrested person has been identified as Sher Bahadur, son of Dal Bahadur. Police described him as a resident of Village Dahanagar, Palik Khada, Ward No. 6, Kalikot district, Nepal. He is currently staying at Sonprayag parking.
A case has been registered against him at Sonprayag police station under provisions of the Excise Act. Police are presenting the arrested accused before the court. The case remains at the investigation stage, and the arrest does not establish guilt.
Search for other suspects continues
Investigators are using the tag numbers on the animals involved in the transport to trace the 2 handlers who escaped. The animals have been moved to a stable in Phata while the inquiry continues.
The police team included Gaurikund outin-charge Sub-Inspector Raghuvir Singh Rawat, constables Arjun Singh and Sultan Singh, and PRD personnel Pankaj Kumar. Their roles included the barrier checking, seizure and initial action in the case.
Conclusion
Police seized 131 bottles of illegal liquor in Gaurikund, arrested Sher Bahadur and are using the animals’ tag numbers to identify the 2 handlers who fled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where was the liquor seized?
The seizure was made at the Gaurikund barrier in Rudraprayag district.
Q. How much liquor did police recover?
Police recovered 131 bottles packed in 11 cartons.
Q. How was the liquor being transported?
The bottles were being carried on 3 animals travelling from the Sonprayag side.
Q. How many people were arrested?
Police arrested one person, identified as Sher Bahadur.
Q. What happened to the other handlers?
2 other handlers left their animals and escaped when police began checking them.
Q. Where was the case registered?
The case was registered at Sonprayag police station under provisions of the Excise Act.
Q. What are police doing to find the absconding handlers?
Investigators are checking the animals’ tag numbers to identify the people who fled.
Q. Where were the animals taken?
The animals were sent to a stable in Phata.
