Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, August 30, 2024, Siliguri: In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor trade, a woman was arrested red-handed by plainclothes police officers from NJP police station while attempting to sell raw spirit near NJP Netaji More in Siliguri. The woman, identified as Geeta Shaivya, hailing from Naxalbari, was caught with approximately 37 liters of raw spirit, which she had allegedly smuggled from Panitanki, a town on the India-Nepal border.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of police officers from NJP police station conducted a raid in the area adjacent to NJP Netaji More on Friday. The police arrested Geeta Shaivya on the spot and seized the illegal consignment. According to police sources, she has been involved in the illicit trade of raw spirit for quite some time and has been on their radar.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the raw spirit seized from her possession is often used in the production of fake liquor. Such illicitly made alcohol poses serious health risks to consumers and has been linked to numerous cases of poisoning and fatalities. “The sale of raw spirit is illegal, and its use to make counterfeit liquor is a major concern. We are committed to cracking down on this illegal trade,” said a senior police official from NJP police station.
Geeta Shaivya is believed to be part of a larger network engaged in smuggling raw spirit across the India-Nepal border. The area around Panitanki is notorious for cross-border smuggling activities, with raw spirit being one of the frequently trafficked goods due to its high demand among illicit liquor manufacturers.
The police are now investigating further to uncover the full extent of the illegal operation and identify other individuals involved. “We suspect that there are more people connected to this illegal trade. Further investigations are underway to trace the supply chain and the end users,” added the official.
The accused, Geeta Shaivya, was produced before the Jalpaiguri court on Friday, where she has been charged under relevant sections of the law pertaining to the illegal possession and transportation of raw spirit. The court has remanded her to police custody for further interrogation to extract more information about the network and her role in it.
The arrest highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tackling the illicit liquor trade, which has far-reaching consequences for public health and safety. The NJP police have stepped up their vigilance in the region to prevent such illegal activities, especially with the upcoming festive season, which often sees a spike in the sale of illegal liquor.
Local residents have lauded the NJP police for their prompt action and expressed hope that such operations will continue to ensure that the streets are safe from the dangers of illegal liquor.
“We are grateful to the police for taking swift action. This arrest will send a strong message to those involved in illegal activities,” said a local resident.
The NJP police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information regarding illegal activities in their vicinity. The authorities have assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential, and their cooperation will help in creating a safer environment for all.