Major crackdown on defence liquor smuggling in Bengaluru

Bengaluru Excise seized defence liquor worth ₹26 lakh in two raids, confiscating 66.75L and cars; two accused face inquiry amid intensified crackdown

Bengaluru’s Excise Department has intensified its campaign against the illegal diversion of liquor meant solely for defence personnel, seizing contraband and vehicles worth nearly ₹26 lakh in two separate raids this January.

According to the Deputy Commissioner of Excise, Bengaluru Urban District‑3 (BUD‑3), the operations were conducted under the supervision of the Excise Commissioner and Joint Commissioner (Enforcement and Investigation), Bengaluru Division (North).

Raid near Jnanabharathi
The first operation was carried out on January 1 near Vidyaniketan Public School, Ullal Road. Acting on intelligence, a team led by Deputy Superintendent Mallikarjuna Reddy and Inspector Rangaiah intercepted a car transporting 40 bottles of defence‑only liquor, amounting to 30 litres. The vehicle and seized alcohol were valued at ₹9 lakh. The accused, identified as S. Kiran (33), a resident of Jnanajyotinagar, has been issued a notice to appear for investigation.

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Interception on NH‑48
The second raid took place on January 24 along the Bengaluru‑Tumakuru highway near Madavara village in Kengeri. Based on a tip‑off, officials stopped a vehicle attempting to leave the city and discovered 49 bottles of defence liquor, totaling 36.75 litres. The haul, including the vehicle, was pegged at ₹17 lakh. The accused, G. Govindaraj (27) from Ballari, has also been served a notice for inquiry.

Intensified Vigil
Together, the department confiscated 66.75 litres of defence liquor and two cars during January. Cases have been registered against both individuals. Officials emphasized that strict monitoring will continue to curb the illegal diversion of defence supplies, which undermines regulatory safeguards and fuels black‑market trade.

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