🟡 By | Gitanjali Thorat
Nashik: In a major action during the Liquor Prohibition – Gandhi Week, the State Excise Department, Nashik, seized a pickup vehicle carrying illegal foreign liquor from another state. The seized consignment is valued at ₹11,55,880, and two accused have been arrested in connection with the case.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Rajesh Deshmukh, Commissioner of State Excise, Maharashtra; Prasad Surve, Joint Commissioner (Enforcement & Investigation); Usha Varma, Deputy Commissioner, Nashik Division; Santosh Jhagade, Superintendent, Nashik; Ravindra Ugle, Deputy Superintendent, Flying Squad, Mumbai; and S.A. Tambare, Deputy Superintendent, Nashik.
On October 5, 2025, a team from the State Excise ‘B’ Division, Nashik, laid a trap near Garware Company Gate on the Mumbai–Agra Highway, Ambad Shivar. The team intercepted a pickup vehicle (Reg. No. GJ-06 BT-0281) and discovered multiple boxes of foreign liquor brands such as Royal Challenge, Royal Stag, All Seasons, Iconic White, and 8 PM Whisky — all permitted only for sale in Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, but banned in Maharashtra.
A total of 55 boxes of 750ml and 180ml bottles were confiscated. The arrested individuals have been identified as:
1️⃣ Pradeep Prembahadur Singh (36), resident of Nalasopara, Palghar.
2️⃣ Suryaprakash Omprakash Vishwakarma (35), originally from Prayagraj (U.P.), currently residing in Nalasopara, Palghar.
A case has been registered under Sections 65(A)(C), 80, 81, 83, 90, and 108 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949 (CR No. 202/2025 dated 05/10/2025).
The operation was successfully executed by a dedicated team led by Inspector R.J. Patil, with officers Riyaz Khan, Vijaykumar Thorat, Dheeraj Jadhav, Ganpat Ahirrao, Pravin Wagh, Rupesh Chavan, Vishnu Sanap, and supporting staff Amit Gangurde, Durgadas Bavaskar, Santosh Kadlag, Mahendra Bhoye, Rakesh Pagare, Sonawane, Bhagat, Nagare, and Gaikwad.
Further investigation in the matter is being conducted by Inspector R.J. Patil of the State Excise ‘B’ Division, Nashik.
