Smuggled Liquor Kingpin Nabbed in Rajasthan Raid

Ankush Goyal, co-owner of The Theka in Gurgaon, was apprehended in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu on Friday in connection with a large-scale smuggled foreign liquor racket. Police action followed a tip-off from a competitor, leading to the seizure of 3,921 cartons and 176 bottles of imported spirits, many missing essential track-and-trace markings.

The illicit operation, allegedly managed by Goyal and associates, bypassed state excise regulations and evaded substantial taxes. Earlier this week, the shop's manager was arrested, providing details about the diverse range of smuggled beverages, including over 80 popular brands. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify others in the syndicate.

Industry insiders suggest smuggling networks exploit systemic loopholes, using fraudulent documents or concealed shipments to transport untaxed liquor across state lines. The absence of official holograms significantly reduces costs, creating a stark price disparity compared to legally imported beverages, luring unsuspecting buyers with cheaper deals.