Punjab Newsline | Panchkula
Panchkula Police have busted an alleged illegal liquor smuggling network operating from Chandigarh to West Bengal and Assam, with the Anti-Narcotics Cell recovering 268 cartons of Chandigarh-marked liquor from a truck.
The seized liquor is estimated to be around 2,500 litres, with a market value of approximately ₹13.5 lakh, police said.
The action was carried out as part of a campaign against illegal liquor and drug trafficking being conducted under the directions of Panchkula Police Commissioner Pankaj Nain.
According to police, Anti-Narcotics Cell in-charge Saurav Rawat received information around 11:30 pm that a truck carrying a large consignment of illegal liquor was travelling from Chandigarh. The truck was reportedly expected to pass through Majri Chowk and proceed towards the highway.
Acting on the information, the police team set up a checkpoint near the cut leading towards the Commando Complex after crossing the Ghaggar. The suspected truck was intercepted shortly afterwards.
During questioning, the driver identified himself as Shehzad Alam, a resident of Amroha, Uttar Pradesh.
According to DCP Crime and Traffic Amarinder Singh, police asked the driver to park the truck to the side. A policeman then sat beside the driver to keep watch.
Police allege that the driver suddenly accelerated the truck and drove towards the road behind a gurdwara. When the policeman asked him to stop, the driver allegedly pushed him and jumped from the moving vehicle a short distance later.
After the driver jumped out, the truck went out of control and headed towards a building. The policeman immediately took control of the steering and managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop.
The driver suffered a head injury after jumping from the truck. Police personnel apprehended him and took him to the government hospital in Sector 6, Panchkula, for immediate treatment. He was later shifted to the Government Hospital in Sector 32, Chandigarh, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
