Belagavi: Excise department officials have seized a heavy-duty tanker allegedly transporting 24,000 litres of liquor illegally near M.K. Hubballi in Belagavi district. The operation was conducted around 12.25 am on Sunday, October 11, during a patrol on the state highway connecting Holihosuru village and M.K. Hubballi.
The combined value of the seized tanker and its contents has been estimated at ₹32.40 lakh, according to officials. The seizure is part of enforcement efforts to prevent the illegal transportation of liquor in the region.
Tanker intercepted during midnight patrol
The operation was carried out by officials from the Bailhongal excise circle while patrolling the highway. During the patrol, the team intercepted a BharatBenz tanker bearing registration number KA-25-AA-3750 for inspection.
A search of the vehicle reportedly revealed 24,000 litres of liquor being transported without the required authorisation. Officials seized the tanker and its contents after detecting the alleged violation.
The interception took place near M.K. Hubballi, a town in Belagavi district. The department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the consignment, including its intended destination and the people responsible for arranging its transportation.
The large quantity of liquor allegedly being carried in a single tanker has drawn attention to the need for checks on vehicles suspected of transporting excisable goods illegally.
Driver issued notice for questioning
Excise officials identified the driver as Bandenawaz Nabi Sab Tigunibidari, a resident of Bolachikkalaki village in Vijayapura district.
The driver was issued a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directing him to appear for questioning in connection with the case.
The notice forms part of the legal process through which officials can seek information from a person connected with an investigation. It does not, by itself, establish guilt.
Investigators are expected to examine the driver’s role, the documents associated with the vehicle and the circumstances under which the liquor was being transported.
Case registered against vehicle owner
The excise department has also registered a case against the owner of the tanker. An initial report relating to the matter has been submitted to the court, officials said.
The investigation is expected to establish who arranged the consignment, whether the required permits and documentation were available, and who was responsible for the alleged illegal transportation.
Officials have not provided further details about the intended recipient of the liquor or whether additional persons are suspected of being involved.
The seizure of the vehicle and its contents represents an enforcement action while the legal proceedings continue. The allegations against those connected with the consignment will be dealt with through the investigation and applicable legal procedures.
Excise team conducts operation under senior officers’ guidance
The operation was carried out by personnel from the Bailhongal excise circle under the guidance of senior department officials.
Those overseeing the enforcement work included the Excise Joint Commissioner of the Belagavi division, the Deputy Commissioner of Excise for Belagavi South district and the Excise Deputy Superintendent of the Ramdurg subdivision.
The coordinated operation involved inspecting the tanker, identifying the alleged violation and securing the vehicle and its contents for further proceedings.
Investigation into illegal liquor transportation continues
The seizure highlights the excise department’s efforts to detect unauthorised movement of liquor and enforce the laws governing its transportation.
Vehicles carrying excisable goods are subject to applicable licensing, permit and documentation requirements. When officials suspect that these rules have been violated, they can inspect the consignment and initiate proceedings under the relevant laws.
In this case, the department will continue examining the circumstances surrounding the 24,000-litre consignment and the responsibility of the driver and vehicle owner.
Further details about the investigation and any additional action against other persons involved were not available in the initial information released by officials.