News and Pics by Arun Uppinangady
Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (RD/CN)

Puttur, Dec 2: Excise officials in an overnight operation busted an illegal spirit racket at Nellyady, on the Mangalore–Bangalore National Highway 48, at 3.00 am on Tuesday December 2.

Excise officials intercepted a truck plying from Bellary towards Kerala. On thorough inspection, its cargo was found to be spirit stored in 240 cans of 35 liters each covered with tarpaulin.  Officials seized the truck and the spirit together worth around Rs 14.40 lac.

Excise officials also arrested Nawaz, a resident of Bangalore, Ajoy, a resident of Trichur,  Kerala, Girish, a resident of Idukki, Kerala, Jawaz Khan, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, and the cleaner of the truck whereas the truck driver managed to escape under cover of darkness.

Excise department deputy superintendent of police Gangadarayya, led the operation assisted by Uppinangady circle inspector Manjayya, Uppinangady sub-inspector Nagesh, and other police personnel. Uppinangady police registered a case in this regard and investigations are underway to unearth the thriving inter-state racket in spirit.