North Tripura, Aug 25: In a major crackdown on the illegal liquor trade, a Bolero vehicle carrying foreign liquor allegedly worth around Rs 10 lakh was intercepted near the Laljuri checkpost in North Tripura late Monday night.
The vehicle, bearing registration number TR 05 G 1926, was reportedly travelling towards Kanchanpur when it attempted to speed past the naka point at around 10 p.m. The suspicious movement caught the attention of local youths, who alerted others and helped stop the vehicle.
According to eyewitnesses, the driver abandoned the Bolero and fled from the spot soon after the vehicle was forced to halt. Locals became suspicious after noticing the driver’s attempt to bypass the checkpost without stopping.
Upon inspection, a large quantity of foreign liquor was allegedly found inside the vehicle. The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of personnel at the Laljuri police outpost. Police later reached the spot, took custody of the vehicle and seized the liquor consignment.
The Kanchanpur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) confirmed the seizure and estimated the market value of the recovered liquor at approximately Rs 10 lakh.
The SDPO also stated that police had received prior intelligence regarding the movement of the vehicle carrying the liquor. The information has raised questions over how the vehicle managed to reach the naka point and attempt to pass through despite the reported intelligence.
The seizure has triggered concern among residents, with locals calling for a neutral and detailed investigation into the suspected smuggling operation. They have also demanded strict action against those involved in transporting and distributing illegal liquor.
Residents praised the alertness and initiative of the local youths, whose intervention led to the vehicle being intercepted and the suspected contraband being recovered before it could reach its intended destination.
Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation to trace the driver, who remains absconding. Investigators are also attempting to establish the source of the liquor, its intended destination and the wider network allegedly involved in the transportation.
Attempts to contact Laljuri Outpost Officer-in-Charge Harendra Debbarma for additional details were unsuccessful. Police sources, however, confirmed that the investigation is underway and further action will follow based on the findings.
