Himmatnagar, a city located in Gujarat, has been the centre of a major police operation. The Junagadh police conducted a raid on the R.K. Angadiya establishment on Tower Road in Himmatnagar. During this operation, they seized a staggering ₹50 lakh (approximately £60,000) connected to liquor smuggling. This operation focused on a notorious bootlegger, Dhiren alias D.K. Sheth Amrutlal Kariya, who is listed among the top 25 bootleggers in Junagadh. The investigation revealed that Kariya was part of an organised crime group smuggling foreign liquor from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab using forged documents.
The police investigation uncovered that Kariya’s financial transactions were recorded using a cash book application. Between April 1 and April 25, 2025, a total of ₹92,10,150 (around £111,000) was recorded in transactions. Dhiren’s son, Parm Kariya, was seen in CCTV footage making financial transactions at the Angadiya establishment nine times during April. The Junagadh police have filed a case against Dhiren Kariya and seven others under the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GCTOC) Act.
The deputy police superintendent of Junagadh, Hitesh Dhandhlya, confirmed the scale of Dhiren Kariya’s liquor smuggling operations. Kariya, who is currently absconding, has been charged under the GCTOC Act. During the investigation, it was found that ₹50 lakh in cash was held at the R.K. Angadiya establishment, leading to its confiscation. Two individuals, Pankaj Patel and Gautam Patel, associated with the establishment, have been issued notices to appear in Junagadh.
Additionally, a mobile phone was seized during the raid. The police believe that examining the phone may reveal the names of others involved in these large financial transactions. This operation highlights the ongoing issue of liquor smuggling in Gujarat, where strict laws are in place to control the sale and distribution of alcohol.
Himmatnagar, part of the Sabarkantha district, has a rich history. Established in 1426 by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the city has seen various rulers and changes over the centuries. It was once considered as the potential capital of Gujarat. The city’s establishment aimed to keep the local ruler in check and has a blend of historical significance and modern challenges, such as the recent rise in illegal activities like liquor smuggling.
Local authorities are taking strict actions to combat this issue and ensure that such illegal activities do not continue to flourish in the region. The recent raid is part of a broader effort to address the problem of organized crime and its impact on society. Residents of Himmatnagar and surrounding areas are hopeful that with continued police vigilance, the city can return to a safer and more secure environment.
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