According to officials, the operation was conducted under the guidance of Secretary-cum-Excise Commissioner R. Sangeeta and on the directions of Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh. A district excise team intercepted a suspect near the primary school in Bana village following specific inputs about illegal transportation of liquor.
During the inspection, officers stopped a man riding a Hero Destini Prime scooter and found 32 pouches of country-made liquor concealed in the vehicle’s boot. The seized stock, identified as “Desi Madira Masala Unique,” amounted to 5.76 bulk litres. Preliminary inquiry revealed that the liquor had been sourced from neighbouring Mahasamund district and was being transported illegally for local distribution.
The accused was identified as Ujendra Banjare, a resident of Bana village. Excise officials immediately seized the liquor and the scooter used for delivery. A case was registered against him under Section 34(2) of the Chhattisgarh Excise Act, which deals with unlawful possession and transportation of alcohol.
Following his arrest, Banjare was produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody. He has since been sent to jail, officials confirmed. The investigation is being led by Excise Sub-Inspector Preeti Kushwaha, while constable Rakesh Dubey played a key role in the field operation.
Excise Department sources said the use of two-wheelers for liquor delivery has emerged as a common tactic to evade detection, particularly in rural and semi-urban pockets. “Small vehicles are often used to move limited quantities frequently, making it harder to track supply chains. Our teams are increasing surveillance to address this pattern,” an official said.
Authorities have reiterated that strict action will continue against those involved in the illegal liquor trade, especially networks operating across district boundaries. The department has urged citizens to report any suspicious movement or sale of illicit alcohol, assuring confidentiality and prompt action.
The latest seizure forms part of a broader enforcement campaign aimed at preventing revenue loss to the state and reducing the social harm associated with unregulated alcohol distribution. Officials said further checks and coordinated operations with local police will continue in the coming days.
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