Operation Aaghaat Storm: 919 Litres Seized, 36 Arrested in 35 Excise Cases in One Day — Raigarh Police Delivers Major Blow to Illegal Liquor Network

Raigarh, March 24:In a major enforcement drive against illegal liquor, Raigarh Police carried out a district-wide crackdown under “Operation Aaghaat”, seizing 919 litres of illicit liquor and arresting 36 accused in a single day.The operation, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh, is part of a three-day अभियान launched on March 22 to dismantle illegal liquor networks across the district.

⸻35 Cases Registered, 21 Sent to JailOn the second day of the operation, police registered 35 excise cases across multiple थाना jurisdictions.Out of the total arrests, 21 accused have been remanded to judicial custody, while further investigation is underway.

The seized liquor — including mahua brew, country liquor, and IMFL — is valued at approximately ₹1.23 lakh.Police officials said that the first day of the drive had also seen significant action, with 23 cases registered and around 120 litres of liquor seized.

⸻Chhal Police Lead with Biggest BustThe most significant breakthrough came from Chhal police station area, where a raid in village Behramar exposed a large-scale illegal liquor manufacturing unit.

Police recovered: •530 litres of mahua liquor • Around 1000 kg of mahua wash (raw material), which was destroyed on the spotOne accused was arrested, while the main आरोपी is currently absconding.Raids Across District Expose Widespread NetworkSimultaneous raids were conducted across several police station areas Chakradharnagar: 81 litres seized in two separate actions •Pusaur: Illegal liquor transport from Odisha intercepted; motorcycle seized • Gharghoda: Liquor hidden in a dhaba recovered; multiple seizures in rural areas •Punjipathra: Raids conducted in both residential and agricultural locations •Bhupdevpur: Liquor concealed in backyard areas recovered•Kharsia: Three consecutive raids led to multiple seizures •Tamnar: Accused caught transporting liquor in pouch formOfficials stated that these coordinated actions indicate the presence of a well-spread illegal liquor network operating across rural and semi-urban pockets.

Strict Action to Continue: SS

SSP Shashi Mohan Singh reiterated the department’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal intoxicants.“Under Operation Aaghaat, strict and continuous action is being taken against those involved in the manufacture, transportation, and sale of illegal liquor. Such elements will not be spared under any circumstances.”Ongoing CrackdownAll accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Excise Act, and Raigarh Police has confirmed that the crackdown will continue with intensified surveillance and targeted raids in the coming days.