Virar police bust hooch den, seize 3000 litres of ingredients

Mumbai: The Virar police busted a hooch den located on an open drain inside a jungle near Tilher village and arrested one person.

The police said that the hooch was being produced in a hilly patch, and has seized material worth around Rs 31,000 from the accused.

The Mandvi police station is on the lookout for his other accomplices.  The hooch operator was identified as Jaanu Gahala (40), a resident of Khair Pada who worked on the open drain and manufactured the hooch. The accused was found alone when the investigators raided the spot in Khair Pada area which is lush and hilly.  

“The place gave Gahala required cover for operating. There was thick smoke emanating from the area, which was found to be suspicious and many locals knew about the activities. After we received specific information about the hooch production, action was initiated,” said an officer of Palghar police.  

The police seized 70 litres of ready hooch, around 3,000 litres of ingredients stored in 16 drums, 250 kg black jaggery, and other items. The officials are in the process of ascertaining the market and the operators who brought the hooch and sold to local customers. Investigation is underway to find other operatives who were part of the hooch operation. The police has registered a case as per the Mumbai Prohibition Act and the accused has been remanded to police custody.