Valsad (Gujarat), Aug 3 (IANS) The Gujarat Police have invoked the stringent Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2015 (GUJCTOC), against an alleged six-member organised crime syndicate accused of running a long-standing liquor smuggling network across the state.
According to a police statement, the action was taken to dismantle what investigators describe as an organised criminal network involved in the large-scale illegal transportation and distribution of liquor across Gujarat.
The case has been registered at Pardi Police Station under Sections 3(1)(2), 3(2) and 3(4) of the GUJCTOC Act.
Acting on specific instructions, the complaint was filed by A.U. Roz, Police Inspector of the Local Crime Branch, while the investigation is being led by B.N. Dave, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Vapi Division.
Police said the syndicate had allegedly operated for several years with members assisting one another in transporting large quantities of IMFL into Gujarat from neighbouring areas and establishing an extensive illegal supply network.
Investigators also stated that the accused had previously been booked in multiple police stations across different districts of Gujarat for offences including assault, criminal intimidation, use of forged documents and illegal liquor supply.
According to police, the accused had been arrested earlier also and charge sheets had been filed before the courts. However, they allegedly resumed their illegal activities after securing bail.
Police have arrested the alleged kingpin, Nilesh alias Nilyo Ghodo Thakur, a resident of Orwad in Valsad district originally from Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh, along with his alleged associate, Kiran alias Chhaniyo Patel of Daman.
Both accused were produced before the Special Designated and Principal District and Sessions Court in Surat, which granted the police five days’ remand.
Investigators are now examining the source of the liquor consignments, the distribution network, the identities of other alleged syndicate members and facilitators, the use of vehicles and duplicate number plates in the operation, and whether the accused acquired properties using proceeds generated from the alleged illegal activities.
–IANS
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