Ahmedabad Rural Police conducted a late-night raid at the Glade One Golf Club and Resort in Sanand, Gujarat, on Sunday. The police acted on a tip-off about a birthday party allegedly hosted by real estate businessman Pratik Sanghi. Reports indicated that around 100 people were present at the event, which was suspected of involving alcohol consumption.
Teams from Sanand, Changodar, and Bopal police stations carried out the operation, supported by two independent witnesses. During the raid, police performed breath analyser tests on many guests. Preliminary results revealed that 39 individuals, including 13 men and 26 women, were suspected to be under the influence of alcohol.
All 39 people were taken for medical examinations, and their blood samples were collected for further analysis. Evidence collected included five sealed bottles of liquor and several other items, valued at around ₹90,520. The seized items comprised:
– 5 sealed bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor
– 8 partially consumed liquor bottles
– 20 empty liquor bottles of various brands
– 52 drinking glasses
– 7 plastic hookah pipes
– 30 cigarette packets
– 1 mobile phone
A case has been registered under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, and further legal action is expected. This raid is part of a wider crackdown by the local police and excise department, who have intensified efforts to enforce prohibition laws in Gujarat.
Gujarat has strict prohibition laws, established under the Gujarat Prohibition Act of 1949, which bans the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol without a valid permit. While residents may obtain permits for health reasons, tourists can acquire temporary permits for legal consumption in licensed establishments. Violating these laws can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines.
Despite these laws, illegal consumption of alcohol remains an issue in the state, prompting frequent police raids at private parties and upscale venues. In recent years, authorities have made significant liquor seizures, highlighting ongoing challenges in enforcing prohibition.
In 2024 alone, nearly 82 lakh bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor were confiscated, amounting to a value of ₹144 crore. The scale of these operations has led to amendments in legislation that allow authorities to seize and auction vehicles involved in liquor smuggling. The ongoing enforcement efforts demonstrate the commitment of authorities to combat illegal liquor activities in Gujarat.
The recent raid at the Sanand resort exemplifies the police’s resolve to uphold the law, even in high-profile situations. Such actions serve as a reminder of the strict regulations surrounding alcohol consumption in Gujarat and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing illegal activities.