Raigarh police have busted an alleged illegal liquor sale operation being run from Janki Hotel in the city and arrested the hotel manager during a late-night raid. Officials said the hotel was functioning like an unauthorised bar where beer and English liquor were allegedly being sold illegally to customers.

The incident took place under the Kotwali police station limits in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh and has become a major India News Update linked to illegal liquor trade and enforcement action in the state. According to police officials, information was received that liquor was being sold illegally from the counter of Janki Hotel located on Ramlila Maidan Road. Based on the tip-off, a police team conducted a raid at the premises.

During the operation, police found hotel manager Surendra Patel, a resident of Katni district in Madhya Pradesh, present at the location. Officials stated that suspicious material and liquor stock were recovered during the search. Police said separate bags kept near the hotel counter contained 13 bottles of beer and six beer cans of different brands. Apart from this, four bottles of English liquor were also seized from the premises.

Officials also recovered Rs 500 in cash, which police believe was linked to liquor sales conducted at the hotel. According to investigators, the accused admitted during questioning that he had been working as the hotel manager for several years and was involved in illegal sale of liquor from the establishment.

Following the raid, police registered a case against the accused under relevant provisions related to illegal liquor sale and excise violations. Surendra Patel was later arrested and sent to judicial custody. Police officials stated that the raid was conducted after repeated complaints and local inputs regarding suspicious activities at the hotel.

Residents of the area claimed that illegal liquor sales had allegedly been taking place at the hotel for a long time. According to local people, large crowds frequently gathered near the hotel during late-night hours for purchasing alcohol. Some residents also alleged that despite the hotel operating close to the Kotwali police station area, no strict action had been taken earlier against the alleged illegal activity. Officials, however, stated that the latest operation was carried out based on credible information and evidence collected during surveillance.

Senior Superintendent of Police Shashi Mohan Singh said strict action would continue against individuals involved in illegal liquor trade, drug-related offences and other unlawful activities in the district. The SSP warned that no accused involved in illegal business operations would be spared and assured that Raigarh police would continue similar enforcement drives in future.He also appealed to citizens to immediately inform police about suspicious or illegal activities in their localities so that timely action could be taken.

Excise and law enforcement officials have intensified monitoring in several districts of Chhattisgarh in recent months following reports of illegal liquor sales, unauthorised bars and illicit alcohol supply networks. Authorities believe such operations not only violate excise laws but can also create law and order concerns and encourage criminal activity.

Police sources indicated that investigators are now examining whether the hotel was linked to a larger network involved in unauthorised liquor distribution in the region. Officials may also verify whether the seized liquor stock was purchased legally or transported without proper permissions and documentation. The incident has sparked discussion among local residents regarding enforcement against illegal alcohol sale points operating in urban areas.

Several residents welcomed the police action and demanded regular inspections of hotels, restaurants and roadside establishments suspected of violating liquor regulations. Observers noted that illegal sale of alcohol from hotels and unlicensed premises remains a recurring issue in several districts due to demand during late-night hours.

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