In a significant operation on Monday, the Pune State Excise Department, Daund Division, seized illicit liquor worth over Rs 30 lakh, including Goa-imported spirits. This action comes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the rampant smuggling of cheaper Goa liquor into Maharashtra.
The operation was conducted on Moregaon-Supe Road within Daund’s jurisdiction, where officials intercepted two suspicious vehicles—a Mahindra Bolero Pikup and a Hyundai Creta. Upon questioning, drivers failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their cargo. Subsequent inspection revealed liquor concealed beneath empty mango boxes, destined for illegal sale in Ahmednagar District.
Authorities seized foreign liquor valued at Rs 12,61,000, along with the two vehicles valued at Rs 17,50,000 and two mobile phones worth Rs 60,000, totaling Rs 30,71,000. The crackdown led to the arrest of Namdev Haribhau Khaire, Sandeep Baban Sanap, Gorakh Bhagwan Palve, and Mahesh Gulabrao Autade—all residents of Ahmednagar.
Excise Sub Inspector Pradeep Jhunjruk is spearheading further investigations into the case, which has been registered at the Daund State Excise Division. This operation was conducted under the directives of Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, Commissioner of the Maharashtra State Excise Department, and Director Prasad Surve. The efforts were coordinated by Deputy Divisional Commissioner of Pune State Excise Sagar Dhomkar, Superintendent Charan Singh Rajput, and Deputy Superintendents Uttamrao Shinde, Sujit Patil, and Santosh Jagdale.
The operation team was led by Excise Inspector Vijay Rokade, supported by Excise Constables Shubham Bhoite, Keshav Vamane, Navnath Padwal, Ashok Patil, and Chandrakant Ingale. The crackdown underscores the department’s commitment to enforcing excise laws and curbing the influx of illicit liquor into Maharashtra.
