Udupi
The Excise Department seized 272 cases of illegally stored liquor, worth Rs 15 lakh, in two houses at Abyanadka in Bola village, Karkala taluk. Deputy Commissioner of Excise, P Bindushree, confirmed that 2,360.9 litres of various brands of liquor, illegally transported from Goa, were found hidden in the homes.
Raids were carried out simultaneously at two locations: Avani Nilaya, owned by Congress leader Avinash Malli, and Marimaru Guthu. The accused, Avinash Malli and Prashanth Suvarna, a resident of Adi Udupi, managed to flee the scene. Bindushree stated that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects.
The raids were conducted in the early hours of the morning, led by District Excise Superintendent Shivaprasad, following instructions from CH Balakrishna, Joint Commissioner of Excise. Excise Sub-Inspector Raghavendra and Deputy Superintendent Gurumoorthy D Palekar of the Udupi sub-division also participated in the operation.
The liquor was reportedly being stored for distribution at events like weddings, musical functions, and other ceremonies. Authorities suspect that some of the liquor may have been transported hidden inside mushrooms and vegetables, though investigations are ongoing.
