Dharavi counterfeit liquor racket worth ₹4.32 lakh seized

Police in Mumbai have uncovered a fake liquor operation in Dharavi. They seized counterfeit Scotch and Johnnie Walker whisky worth 4.32 lakh rupees. The state excise department acted on a tip-off and conducted a raid in Shivshakti Nagar Chawl. During the raid, they found 23-year-old Aniket Kashid filling empty bottles with the fake liquor. He was arrested, and police seized several sealed bottles, empty bottles, counterfeit labels, and materials used for packaging. This operation was producing fake versions of popular premium brands. Kashid confessed to sourcing the fake liquor supplies from Mahendra Vaghela, who is currently evading arrest. Police found evidence, including Kashid’s mobile phone that had Vaghela's contact information. Authorities later searched Vaghela’s location in Anna Nagar. They discovered 33 sealed bottles of various premium Scotch brands and more counterfeit packaging materials. Overall, the police have confiscated goods valued at about 4.32 lakh rupees. Kashid has been charged under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, which includes non-bailable offenses. Police are seeking to extend his custody to gather more information on Vaghela and investigate financial transactions related to the illegal trade. Officials state that this fake liquor racket poses serious health risks to consumers and leads to significant losses in tax revenue for the state.