Chandigarh, September 15: Chandigarh Police on Monday arrested a 48-year-old man described as a habitual violator of the Excise Act, recovering a large stock of illicit liquor from him during patrolling in Hallo Majra.
The accused, identified as Pankaj Kumar alias Kabari of Ramdarbar, was intercepted by a police team from Sector 31 police station while on crime prevention duty near Kabari Market. Officials said Kumar attempted to run on spotting the police but was apprehended outside his office.
“Plastic bags kept in the open were searched, and a substantial quantity of illicit liquor was recovered. The accused was unable to produce any licence or permit,” said ASI Pawan Kumar, who led the operation.
According to police records, Kumar is illiterate and unemployed, and has a long history of criminal activity. He has been booked in at least 26 previous cases, including multiple offences under Section 61-1-14 of the Excise Act as well as under the Arms Act.
Investigators noted that Kumar has consistently faced action since 2015, with cases registered almost every year at Sector 31 police station for selling illegal liquor and carrying arms.
A fresh case under Section 61-1-14 of the Excise Act has now been lodged against him. Police said the arrest forms part of a special drive against anti-social elements in the city.
