BELAGAVI
The Karnataka excise department intensified its vigilance in Belagavi on Monday, seizing a major consignment of Goa-made liquor at a time when the Karnataka Winter Session is underway in the city.
Officials intercepted a Goa-registered car on the NH4 service road, catching a driver red-handed while allegedly transporting liquor into Belagavi for illegal sale. The operation was conducted following credible intelligence, under the instructions of senior officials. The Excise Inspector of Belagavi Subdivision-3 and his team laid a trap on Yediyurappa Road, anticipating the vehicle’s movement, and intercepted the car.
The driver, Manjunath Mallagouda Gidgeri (26) of Belagavi, was detained, and a search revealed 138.06 litres of assorted liquor, labelled exclusively for sale in Goa. The stock was being transported without permits or transport receipts. Officials seized the entire liquor consignment and the car, and registered a case under the Karnataka Excise Act. Gidgeri has been issued a notice to appear for further investigation.
The Excise Department has also launched efforts to trace the owner of the car used for the illegal transportation.
