Piplani police nabs man on charges of liquor smuggling:Alcohol, car worth Rs 2 lakh seized from him; accused was supplying booze in the area

Bhopal’s Piplani police on Saturday laid hands on a man in possession of 54 litres of branded English liquor and a hatchback car, the police said. The total seizure, including liquor and vehicle, is valued at Rs 2 lakh, as per police. The police added that the action was carried out following a tip-off. Accused caught supplying liquor in the area Piplani police station house officer (SHO) Chandrika Yadav said that the accused had been supplying branded liquor in Bhopal for several days. A special informer network was deployed to catch him red-handed. The accused was identified as Lokesh Meena (31), a resident of Press Colony in Piplani’s Anand Nagar area. Previous cases against the accused The police revealed that Lokesh already has excise-related offences registered against him. He reportedly indulged in the illegal liquor trade to fund his expensive lifestyle. Investigations suggest that he sourced the liquor consignment from a friend. Accused tried to flee upon spotting cops The police said that on Saturday, acting on the informer’s tip, Piplani police laid siege near Press Colony in Anand Nagar. As the team attempted to intercept the accused’s car, he tried to flee but was apprehended after a chase. Upon searching the car, police recovered multiple brands of liquor, including Officer’s Choice, McDowell’s, Bagpiper, RS, RC, and other premium labels. The stock was immediately seized, and the accused was taken into custody. Produced in court Following his arrest, the liquor and car were confiscated, and a case was registered against Meena under relevant excise laws. He was subsequently produced before the court for further legal action. Police sources confirmed that surveillance will continue in the locality to prevent further smuggling of branded liquor.