Mangaluru: In a decisive operation, Konaje police raided a house engaged in illegal liquor production at Pajiru village on Sunday, arresting two accused while two others managed to escape. The raid was conducted following intelligence reports about an unlicensed liquor manufacturing setup operating near Sri Durga Kali Temple at Kambalapadavu.

Arrests and absconding suspects

The arrested have been identified as Pranav V Shenoy (24), a resident of Kasargod, and Anush R (24), a resident of Thalipadpu. According to police, the duo, along with Thomas and Manikutttan, had been operating an illicit liquor business from the premises.

While Shenoy and Anush were apprehended during the raid, Thomas and Manikutttan reportedly fled before police could reach them. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the absconding suspects.

Seizure of liquor-making equipment and contraband

Police carried out mahazar proceedings at the premises and discovered a fully functional setup for illegal liquor production. Items seized during the raid include:

  • Three liquor-making machines

  • One mixer machine

  • Several empty and filled liquor bottles

  • Eight bottles of Mansion House brandy, reportedly licensed only for sale in Goa

  • Other raw materials used in the production process

    • The total value of the seized items has been estimated at ₹1,15,110.

    Case registered under excise and penal laws

    A case has been registered at Konaje police station against all four accused. Authorities have booked them under relevant sections of excise laws and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for illegal production, possession and sale of liquor.

    A senior police officer stated that raids will continue across Dakshina Kannada district to curb the illegal liquor trade, which poses health risks and causes revenue loss to the state.

    Rising concern over illicit liquor in coastal Karnataka

    This incident highlights the persistent challenge of illegal liquor manufacturing in parts of coastal Karnataka. Police sources reveal that such operations are often run from rented houses in remote areas, making detection difficult. However, increased surveillance and community tip-offs are helping authorities crack down on these setups.

    Conclusion

    Konaje police have intensified search operations to nab the absconding suspects. Meanwhile, the seized items have been sent for forensic examination to ascertain the nature and quality of the liquor produced. Authorities have urged residents to report suspicious activities to ensure such illegal trade is eliminated from the region.