Udaipur : Acting under the direction of Excise Commissioner Namit Mehta, the Excise Department conducted two major operations in Gogunda during the municipal election Model Code of Conduct and seized 3,600 litres of illegally stored spirit kept in 20 drums. One accused was arrested in connection with the seizure.

The seized spirit, estimated to be worth around ₹4 lakh, was allegedly intended for use in the manufacture of illicit liquor during the municipal elections.

1,700 Litres Seized from Restaurant

As part of intensified enforcement against the illegal manufacture, storage, transportation and sale of liquor during the election period, excise teams have been conducting raids, patrols and checking operations across the state.

Acting on credible information received by Additional Excise Commissioner (Policy) Pradeep Singh Sangawat and Deputy Commissioner, Excise Enforcement Wing, Udaipur Zone, Pradyuman Singh Chundawat, a team conducted a raid on August 26 at Balaji Restaurant near Khokhariya Ki Naal on National Highway 27 in Gogunda.

The operation was led by Excise Officer Udaipur Vikas Bithu, along with Enforcement Officer Udaipur Daulat Singh, Enforcement Officer Gogunda Kailash Chandra and other personnel.

During the raid, officials recovered 1,700 litres of spirit stored in 10 drums—1,600 litres in eight drums and another 100 litres in two drums. Prakash Meghwal, a resident of Sanchore, was arrested from the spot.

Second Raid Leads to Recovery of 1,900 Litres

During preliminary questioning of Meghwal, the enforcement team received information about another stock of spirit allegedly stored at a house belonging to Ramesh Garasia in Ukhaliyad village, Gogunda.

Acting on the information under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Pradyuman Singh Chundawat, the excise team raided the premises and recovered 1,900 litres of illegal spirit stored in 10 drums. This included 1,800 litres in nine drums and 100 litres in one drum.

The accused allegedly fled from the spot.

With the two operations, the Excise Department recovered a total of 3,600 litres of illegal spirit from 20 drums at separate locations in Gogunda. The estimated value of the seized stock is ₹4 lakh.

Spirit Allegedly Meant for Illicit Liquor Production

Officials said the seizure assumes significance as the Model Code of Conduct for municipal elections is currently in force. The large stock of spirit was allegedly intended to be used for manufacturing illicit liquor in substantial quantities for use during the election period.

Further investigation into the source, intended use and other persons potentially involved in the case is underway.