Bhiwandi resident Jayendra Patil (22) was confident that his was a foolproof plan that would help him smuggle illicit country liquor without getting caught. But it seems he had underestimated the state Excise Department.
On Tuesday, the Konkan division of the state Excise Department arrested Patil for transporting illicit country liquor by using his two-wheeler.
They also seized his Bajaj Pulsar and recovered about 50-litre liquor from it. The total worth of the bike and the liquor amounted to Rs 45,800.
Patil used to transport liquor illegally manufactured in Kalwar village near Bhiwandi. However, what came as a surprise to the officials was the modifications Patil had made to his bike to stealthily accommodate liquor.
“He had made a small compartment beneath his seat and he altered the petrol tank likewise to hide liquor. So, if one were to open his tank’s lid, they would find liquor. He also had a pipe attached to the tank for its free flow,” said Excise Department Inspector J.B. Kapile.
“We have arrested several persons in the past and confiscated their vehicles for carrying illicit liquor. So, we were well aware of their modus operandi. We had already alerted our officials to keep an eye out for suspicious persons and vehicles. That is how, we arrested Patil on the Vasai-Bhiwandi road,” added Kapile.
{{/usCountry}}“We have arrested several persons in the past and confiscated their vehicles for carrying illicit liquor. So, we were well aware of their modus operandi. We had already alerted our officials to keep an eye out for suspicious persons and vehicles. That is how, we arrested Patil on the Vasai-Bhiwandi road,” added Kapile.
{{/usCountry}}Patil allegedly said his friend introduced him to this business two months ago.
He was produced in court on Tuesday and has been released on bail.