Habitual criminal changed locations frequently to evade police; total seizure valued at Rs 24,820

Raipur police have arrested a habitual offender for allegedly selling illegal liquor from a public parking area in the city, seizing country-made English liquor, cash, and a two-wheeler in a crackdown that followed weeks of surveillance and tip-offs from informers.

The arrested individual has been identified as Firoz Khan, 52, a resident of Rajbandha Maidan, who was apprehended from the parking lot of Shaheed Smarak Bhavan in the Maudahapara police station area. Authorities say he had been on their radar for some time, with multiple complaints of illegal liquor sales piling up against him.

Tip-Off Led to Arrest

Acting on information from a local informer, a police team moved in and cordoned off the area near Shaheed Smarak Bhavan's parking. Khan was caught on the spot. During a search, officers recovered 36 pouva of Goa English liquor — amounting to 6.48 bulk litres — along with Rs 500 in cash and a Honda Activa scooter bearing registration number CG 04 MK 8657. The total value of seized material has been estimated at Rs 24,820, with the liquor alone valued at around Rs 4,320.

A Pattern of Evasion

What set this case apart, according to Maudahapara police, was Khan's deliberate effort to stay ahead of law enforcement. Instead of operating from a fixed point, he had shifted to selling from different locations around the area — a move the police say was a calculated attempt to dodge detection after pressure from ongoing surveillance mounted. Officers had also installed CCTV cameras at multiple spots to track suspicious activity. The strategy, however, ultimately failed as an informer's tip gave police the lead they needed.

No Papers, No Licence

When questioned, Khan could not produce any valid licence or documentation to justify possessing or selling liquor. Police then formally registered a case under Section 34(2) of the Excise Act and placed him under arrest.

Authorities note that Khan is a known habitual offender in the locality, and complaints against him had persisted over a considerable period before this arrest was made possible through sustained ground-level monitoring.

Seizure Breakdown

The items confiscated from Khan include 36 pouva of Goa English liquor (6.48 bulk litres), valued at approximately Rs 4,320; Rs 500 in cash; and the Honda Activa scooter. Cumulatively, the seized property is assessed at Rs 24,820.

Police Warn of Continued Action

Raipur police, while announcing the arrest, also issued a public appeal urging residents to report illegal liquor trade and drug-related activity in their neighbourhoods without delay. Officials indicated that enforcement efforts against habitual offenders and unlicensed liquor sellers will continue in the days ahead, adding that community cooperation has been critical in making such operations successful.

The Maudahapara case is part of a broader push by Raipur district police to rein in unauthorised liquor trade in urban pockets, where informal networks often exploit busy public spaces — including parking lots and roadside areas — to run clandestine operations away from residential scrutiny.