n a major crackdown on illegal liquor trade, the Bhopal Crime Branch arrested two habitual smugglers, Vinod Rai and Vaibhav Patil, from the Govindpura area on Wednesday. The duo was apprehended with illicit liquor worth an estimated Rs 12 lakh, concealed in a white Hyundai Venue SUV.
Acting on a tip-off received from an informant, police tracked the suspicious vehicle (registration number MP04YA8624), which was found parked near an empty plot on TRT Colony Road. A swift operation was launched by Crime Branch personnel, who surrounded the car and took both suspects into custody without resistance.
Vinod Rai, son of Mangilal Rai and a resident of Meenal Residency, was found in the driver’s seat, while Vaibhav Patil, son of Sanjay Patil and a resident of Kailash Nagar near Priyanka Public School, was seated in the back. A detailed search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 18 boxes of Indian and foreign-made liquor hidden under the rear seat and inside the car’s trunk.
During preliminary interrogation, Vinod Rai admitted that the boxes contained illegal liquor. Vaibhav Patil, however, attempted to distance himself from the operation by claiming he had merely hired the vehicle and was unaware of the contents being transported. Police officials, however, noted inconsistencies in his statements.
The seizure, valued at Rs 12 lakh, is one of the largest in recent months in Bhopal and highlights the persistence of organized liquor smuggling in the region. Both accused have prior records of similar offenses and have served time in jail previously, indicating their deep involvement in the illegal trade.
Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Excise Act and placed the two accused in custody. Investigations are now focused on identifying the source of the liquor and the intended distribution network. Authorities suspect the involvement of a larger syndicate and are examining digital and call records to trace their suppliers and potential buyers.
Senior police officials confirmed that surveillance and enforcement efforts will be ramped up across key areas of the city, particularly along known smuggling routes. “This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of timely intelligence and ground coordination by our teams.
We are committed to dismantling such illegal networks operating in the city,” said a senior Crime Branch officer.
The crackdown comes amid heightened vigilance ahead of upcoming election-related code of conduct periods and festive seasons, both of which often see a spike in illicit liquor trade. The Bhopal police have also launched parallel investigations into possible links between liquor smuggling and political funding or organized crime activities.
The arrested duo is expected to be produced in court soon. Further arrests are likely as police expand the probe to uncover the full extent of the network involved in the illegal supply and sale of liquor in Bhopal and adjoining districts.
