Bootlegging in the dry Gujarat has been always an important issue ever since the formation of the State on 1st May 1960, but it becomes even more imperative when Assembly or lok Sabha polls are on the anvil as State police have intensified vigil across the State, especially on the inter-State borders and on the entry points of adjoining Union Territories Daman & Diu as well as Dadra & Nagar Haveli.
After issuance of notification for Gujarat Assembly polls, the State police seized big haul of illicit liquor and other goods such as vehicle used for transportation, raw material etc. wroth Rs 25.11 crore.
Divulging the details Inspector General of Police (IGP) Narsimha Komar said that as many as 15,852 cases filed under Prohibition Act 1949 post Gujarat assembly polls notification. During the period, the police have seized India Made Foreign liquor (IMFl) valuing Rs 10.67 crore and country liquor worth Rs 16.40 crore, said Komar while talking to The Pioneer.
‘‘The police have also detained vehicles used for bootlegging and raw material used to make country liquor and other things too sealed by the police worth Rs 14.27 crore. Besides 12,761 persons have been arrested under the prohibition act,’’ he added.
With a view to maintain law & order situation in the state during the ensuing Assembly polls the police have issued 28,425 non-bailable warrants and detained 714 anti-social elements as part or anticipatory measure. In Gujarat, the Government has issued 56,439 weapon licences. Of these 333 licences were discontinued and asked 48,857 licensees to submit their weapons till the end of Assembly polls.