Daijiworld Media Network - Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Mar 24: In a dramatic raid on the Gadhinglaj-Nesri road, the state excise department nabbed two fraudsters who were smuggling liquor from Goa using a red-light vehicle while posing as government officials. The accused, Nitin Dhere and retired jawan Shivaji Dhaigude, were arrested, and liquor worth Rs 7.73 lac was seized.

Acting on a tip-off, the excise team set up a trap near Mahagaon in the early hours of March 23. Around 3:15 am, a high-speed vehicle with a red beacon arrived and stopped near another car, raising suspicion. Upon raiding the vehicles, officers were stunned to find the accused dressed as state excise personnel, with one even wearing a police cap.

During interrogation, the duo confessed to smuggling liquor from Goa to Kolhapur by disguising themselves as officials to evade checks. A search of their vehicles led to the recovery of 432 bottles of premium liquor brands.

The operation was led by inspector Sanjay Sheelwant, with sub-inspector Satyawan Bhagat and a team of officers. Authorities are now investigating the extent of their operations and any potential political or administrative backing.