Delhi Police Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade

In a significant operation, the Delhi Police's Special Staff arrested a bootlegger and seized 76 cartons of illicit liquor. This crackdown follows a recent seizure of 31 cartons, indicating a robust response to illegal liquor activities in the capital. The suspect, Mahender, revealed his involvement in the trade for quick money and named an associate who helped facilitate the operation. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network behind the illegal liquor trade in Delhi, aiming to dismantle the supply chain and apprehend additional suspects.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 13, 2026, 11:40 IST

Police Operation Targets Bootlegging in Delhi

Photo: IANS

New Delhi, May 13: In a continued effort to combat the illegal liquor trade in the capital, the Special Staff of the Delhi Police's West District apprehended a suspected bootlegger on Wednesday. The operation resulted in the seizure of 76 cartons of illicit liquor along with the vehicle used for transport.

Authorities reported that this operation followed closely on the heels of a previous seizure, where 31 cartons of illegal liquor were confiscated from a vehicle, highlighting the police's intensified efforts against bootlegging activities in the city.

On May 10, police received credible information regarding a vehicle transporting a significant amount of illicit liquor from the Punjabi Bagh Flyover towards the Rajdhani College area. Acting on this tip-off, the information was verified and escalated to senior officials.

A specialized police team, led by Inspector Rajesh Maurya and comprising Sub Inspector Manish, ASI Manoj, ASI Ramesh Chand, Head Constable Dinesh, and HC Sandeep, was formed under the oversight of ACP/Operations Vijay Singh and senior district officers.

The team set up a strategic checkpoint near Rajdhani College and intercepted the suspicious vehicle around 5:40 p.m. When instructed to halt, the driver attempted to escape but was quickly apprehended after a brief pursuit.

The suspect, identified as Mahender, a 44-year-old from Jahangir Puri, Delhi, was found with 76 cartons of illicit liquor, including brands like “Desi Santra” and “Murthal No.1.”

The police confiscated the liquor and the vehicle, registering a case under Sections 33/38/58 of the Delhi Excise Act at Rajouri Garden Police Station. Mahender has been placed in judicial custody.

During questioning, Mahender revealed that he is married with three children and has a limited education, having studied only up to Class 5. He previously worked at a biscuit factory in Budhpur, Alipur, Delhi, and turned to the illegal liquor trade for quick financial gain.

He admitted to supplying illicit liquor in Delhi on approximately 10 to 12 occasions previously and mentioned that his associate, Ashu from Swaroop Nagar, arranged the liquor and vehicle.

According to police, Mahender transported illicit liquor to predetermined locations throughout Delhi, where local bootleggers would collect the shipments for further distribution. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in this illegal operation.

Authorities are also working to uncover the entire supply chain, trace the source of the liquor, and dismantle the broader illegal liquor syndicate in the area.