Police in Ahmedabad detained 81 people, including several doctors, during a late-night raid on an illegal liquor and hookah party at a private farmhouse near Sanand. The operation took place on February 4, highlighting strict enforcement of Gujarat’s long-standing alcohol prohibition laws.
The raid followed a tip-off about an illegal gathering being held to celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary. Police found alcohol consumption and hookah use at the venue, both of which are banned under state law.
Officers from Sanand police reached the farmhouse near Goras Seem village after receiving specific intelligence inputs. Upon entering the premises, police found a large group consuming liquor and using hookahs despite Gujarat being a dry state.
Those detained included medical doctors from Ahmedabad, along with builders and businesspersons, indicating that the gathering involved individuals from affluent and professional backgrounds. Police took all attendees into custody and brought them to the Sanand police station for further legal procedures.
During the raid, police seized a substantial quantity of illegal items from the site. These included:
Bottles of foreign liquor in sealed, opened and empty condition
Multiple hookahs along with flavors and accessories
74 mobile phones
22 cars parked at the venue
Authorities estimated the total value of seized items at approximately ₹2.9 crore, underlining the scale of the illegal event.
Police officials stated that the large quantity of liquor and paraphernalia confirmed organized planning despite the party being projected as a private celebration.
Following the detentions, police collected blood samples from all 81 individuals and sent them to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis. The tests aim to confirm alcohol consumption and check for the presence of narcotic or psychotropic substances.
If forensic reports indicate drug use, police may initiate additional action under relevant narcotics laws. Investigators are also examining how the liquor was procured and transported within a state where alcohol possession and consumption are prohibited.
Police have registered cases under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, which bans the sale, storage and consumption of alcohol in the state. Further legal action will depend on forensic findings and the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Officials said the raid reflects the state’s zero-tolerance approach towards prohibition violations, even when offenders belong to influential or professional sections of society.
(Rh/ARC)
