KATHUA, SEPT 11: Continuing its crackdown on the illegal trade and transportation of liquor, Basohli Police arrested a suspected bootlegger and seized 62 illicit liquor bottles along with an Eco Van during checking operation in the Hutt Mashka area.
The action was carried out on September 10 by a police team led by the SHO Police Station Basohli, under the supervision of SP Operations Upper Kathua and SDPO Basohli, as part of intensified checking against the transportation of illicit liquor.
During the checking, police intercepted an Eco Van bearing registration number JK08H-2659, which was allegedly travelling from Mashka towards Draman under suspicious circumstances.
The vehicle was being driven by Sunil Kumar, son of Uttam Chand, resident of Draman, Tehsil Basohli, District Kathua. During a search of the vehicle, police recovered 62 bottles of JK Special Desi Whisky, comprising 12 bottles of 750 ml each and 50 quarters of 180 ml each.
The recovered liquor and the vehicle allegedly used for its transportation were seized, while the accused was taken into custody.
In connection with the recovery, FIR Number 48/2026 under Section 48(a) of the Excise Act has been registered at Police Station Basohli, and further investigation has been initiated.
The operation was conducted under the overall supervision of SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, who reiterated that strict legal action would be taken against persons involved in the illegal trade, possession or transportation of illicit liquor.
Kathua Police said such enforcement operations would continue to curb the circulation of illicit liquor and prevent activities that pose a threat to public safety and social order.
