Lucknow: In a major crackdown, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested three members of an interstate illegal liquor smuggling racket. This gang was involved in the illegal supply of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) from Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh to Bihar, where alcohol is banned. The STF team seized 45 cases of illicit liquor, cash, mobile phones, and other documents from the accused.
The Investigation Unfolds
The STF had been receiving intelligence reports regarding liquor smuggling through various districts of Uttar Pradesh into Bihar. Acting on these leads, a team led by Inspector Tej Bahadur Singh, under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Deepak Kumar Singh, closely monitored the gang’s activities.
On March 5, 2025, at 9:25 PM, the STF received information that a major consignment of illegal liquor was set to arrive at Saripura, Aalamnagar Check Post, Ring Road, Thakurganj Police Station area in Lucknow. Acting swiftly, the STF team conducted a raid and successfully apprehended three smugglers.
Arrested Smugglers Identified
- Vishal Jaiswal (Resident of Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh)
- Aadesh Jaiswal (Resident of Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh)
- Nirmal Kumar (Resident of Begusarai, Bihar) – A railway coach attendant who used trains to transport illegal liquor into Bihar.
Seized Items
- 45 cases of illegal Indian-made foreign liquor (intended for government liquor shops in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab)
- ₹2,810 in cash
- 03 mobile phones
- 02 Aadhaar cards
- 02 ATM cards
Modus Operandi of the Liquor Smuggling Racket
- The racket was allegedly masterminded by Rahu Mota, who instructed the gang to procure liquor from government-licensed liquor shops in Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
- To evade detection, the smugglers removed QR codes and stickers from the liquor bottles before smuggling them into Bihar.
- Bihar’s prohibition law has created a high demand for liquor at inflated prices, making smuggling a lucrative business.
- Nirmal Kumar, taking advantage of his job as a railway coach attendant, discreetly transported liquor in trains.
Official Statement from STF
STF officials stated that efforts are underway to track down the gang leader Rahul Mota and other associates involved in the smuggling operation. The arrested smugglers have been booked under case number 121/2025 under Sections 60/63 of the Excise Act at Thakurganj Police Station. Further legal proceedings are in progress.
UP STF’s Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade
The Uttar Pradesh STF has been actively targeting liquor smuggling operations between UP and Bihar. The latest bust has exposed new tactics employed by smugglers, including the removal of stickers and QR codes to erase liquor origins. Despite prohibition in Bihar, illegal liquor smuggling continues to thrive.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying crackdowns on such activities and ensuring strict legal actions against those involved in illegal liquor trade.
