Team Goemkarponn
JAMBOTI: In a major crackdown, the Excise Department seized 14,000 litres of illegally transported spirit on the Jamboti–Kanakumbi–Goa route in Khanapur taluka of Belagavi district. The operation was carried out on Tuesday, May 19, and property worth over ₹35 lakh was seized.
According to officials, the department had received information that illegal spirit was being transported in a chocolate-coloured six-wheeler Ashok Leyland tanker truck bearing registration number KA-22 B-3793.
Acting on the tip-off, officials laid a trap on the Jamboti–Kanakumbi route and intercepted the vehicle. During inspection, 14,000 litres of spirit was found inside the truck.
The driver, identified as Siddaraju Puttaswamy Shetty (47), a resident of Hegginavalu in Nanjangud taluka of Mysuru district, has been issued a notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS Act 2023 and directed to appear for further inquiry.
Officials said the seized spirit is valued at approximately ₹14 lakh, while the truck is worth around ₹21 lakh. The total value of the seized property is estimated at ₹35,01,500.
The Excise Department stated that efforts are underway to trace the owner of the vehicle and initiate arrest proceedings.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Y. Manjunath, Excise Commissioner, F.H. Chalwadi, Joint Commissioner (Administration), and Jagadish N.K., Deputy Commissioner, Belagavi South.
The raid was led by Deputy Superintendent Ravi M. Murgod along with officials Manjunath Melligeri, Nurulla Khan, Sunil S. Patil and other Excise Department personnel. Further investigation is in progress.
