In a major breakthrough, Sihora police arrested two accused and seized a large quantity of English liquor amounting to Rs 2.14 lakh along with cash and a vehicle used for transportation. The accused have been identified as Abhay Singh alias Vivek Thakur (31) and Aijaz Ahmed (26), both residents of Bhatta Mohalla in Katni district. The action was carried out under the directions of Superintendent of Police Sampat Upadhyay, who has instructed strict action against those involved in illegal liquor and narcotics trade across the district. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Additional SP (Rural) Suryakant Sharma and SDOP Sihora Akanksha Upadhyay. SHO of Sihora police station, Pratiksha Marko, informed on the late night of March 28, police received credible information that two individuals were transporting illegal liquor in a white car MP-21ZG-7413 from village Ponda towards Katni. Acting on the tip-off, a police team set up a blockade near Khudawal turn on NH-30.

 

Soon, the vehicle was spotted and intercepted by the police. The two occupants identified themselves as Abhay Singh alias Vivek Thakur and Aijaz Ahmed, both residents of Bhatta Mohalla, Katni district. Police recovered 24 cartons of English liquor of various brands, including Blender’s Pride, Bagpiper, 8 PM, Bacardi Mango Chili, Signature Whisky, Magic Moments, R S Company liquor and Goa Whisky. The total value of the seized liquor is estimated at Rs 2,14,200. Besides this, Rs 54,500 in cash, allegedly meant for purchasing liquor and the car valued at around Rs 12 lakh were also seized. The accused admitted, they had purchased the liquor from a shop in village Ponda and were illegally transporting it to Katni. Sihora police have registered a case against both under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act. The liquor consignment was seized by police team comprised of Sub-Inspector Nanhelal Rajak, Head Constable Ganeshwar Singh, Akash Sonkar, Neeraj, Anuj Kansana, Devraj, Avdhesh, Gyanprakash, Gokul and driver Shailendra Tiwari.