BELAGAVI
In a major crackdown on the illegal transport of liquor, Karnataka excise officials seized 51.84 litres of Goa liquor packed in six boxes and 36 litres of Goa beer packed in three boxes in Belagavi district.
According to excise department sources, the operation was carried out early on Thursday morning near the Kanakumbi check post.
Acting on specific information, excise officials conducted vehicle checks and surveillance in the area. During the operation, they intercepted a car. On inspection, the driver, identified as Prasad Shankar Punaji (30) from Lakshmi Galli in Halaga village near Belagavi, was allegedly found transporting liquor and beer labelled “For Sale in Goa Only” without valid permission.
The seized stock included 240 bottles of whisky (180 ml each) packed in five boxes, totalling 43.2 litres; 48 bottles of rum (180 ml each) packed in one box, totalling 8.64 litres; and 72 cans of strong beer (500 ml each) packed in three boxes, totalling 36 litres of beer.
The accused has been served a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directing him to appear for further investigation.
Meanwhile, officials have launched efforts to trace and arrest the owner of the vehicle, who has also been named as an accused in the case.
The seized liquor, beer and vehicle were confiscated under a formal spot mahazar, and a case has been registered.
