Bootlegging Racket Uncovered In Aravalli Hills: How Did Drones Shake Things Up?

In a predawn operation on Tuesday, a team of Gurgaon Police ventured into the wilderness of Gurgaon’s Aravalli hills near Rithoj village, acting on intel gathered from drone images. What they discovered was a clandestine bootlegging operation, with a gang of seven individuals, including a minor, allegedly running the illicit enterprise.

The police team, comprising 20 officers, swooped in on the gang and seized 1,600 litres of spurious raw liquor stored in barrels, drums, and plastic canisters. According to DCP (South) Sidhant Jain, the area had been under surveillance for illegal activity for over six months, but patrolling was hindered by the terrain and harsh daytime temperatures.

The accused were allegedly producing the illicit liquor using a mix of jaggery, special tree bark, spices, and water. The finished product was reportedly sold in 700 ml bottles for Rs 80 each, distributed to local village residents via motorcycles.

During this Aravalli hills raid, the police seized about 50 litres of finished country liquor, along with equipment used in the distillation process, including eight barrels, two iron drums, eight plastic drums, and three plastic cans. Additionally, a crate, an axe, a shovel, two earthen utensils, and three plastic pipes were recovered from the accused.

The accused individuals, identified as Sache, Ganga, Manoj, Anil, Khemchand, all residents of Rithoj, and Munshiram, a resident of Sahjivas, were arrested under the Excise Act for setting up an illegal liquor distillery and producing spurious liquor.

Police are now questioning the accused to determine if more groups are operating in the area and gathering details of their clientele. The raid underscores the authorities’ efforts to crack down on illicit liquor operations in the region and ensure public safety.