Cops attacked during raid on illicit liquor distillery in Bhandal

The authority of the police was openly challenged on Friday when a police team was attacked during a raid on an illicit liquor distillery in Bhandal village.

According to sources, the police party, led by Sub-Inspector Gurmukh Singh, SHO Valtoha, conducted a raid on a farmhouse where Swaranjit Singh, along with his sons Deepak Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, and associate Ranjodh Singh Jodha, was allegedly operating an illegal liquor still.

During the raid, the accused questioned the jurisdiction of the raiding party, claiming that their residence fell under the jurisdiction of Rajoke police post, which comes under Khalra police station, not Valtoha. A verbal altercation ensued, which escalated into a physical attack on the police team.

Following the attack, SHO Gurmukh Singh called for reinforcement from ASI Shangara Singh, in-charge of Rajoke police post, who arrived at the scene promptly. However, before the situation could be brought under control, Swaranjit Singh, his sons Deepak and Sandeep, and Ranjodh Singh managed to flee the spot.

On Saturday, a case was registered against the accused at Rajoke police post under the Khalra police station. Charges include violations under Sections 61, 1, and 14 of the Excise Act, along with Sections 132, 221, 238 and 3(5) of the BNS.

The police are conducting further investigations and efforts are underway to apprehend the absconding accused.