The incident occurred in Sadatpur under the Kanti police station area. The driver, Mohammad Anees, was arrested on the spot, while two main accused in the smuggling network are still absconding.
According to the police, Anees confessed that the liquor was being smuggled from Siliguri, West Bengal. To avoid detection, women pretending to be a patient and her caretaker were used during transport. This was done to make the ambulance appear genuine and pass through checkpoints without suspicion. Despite Bihar's complete alcohol ban since 2016, illegal liquor trade remains rampant in the state.
The police found the cartons hidden in a secret rooftop compartment of the ambulance. The vehicle looked like any regular emergency vehicle from the outside, complete with sirens and medical symbols.
On receiving a tip-off, police intercepted the ambulance and found the hidden stash during a detailed search. The arrested driver revealed the names of two key members of the network: Sunny Rai from Harpur, Kathaia, and Mohammad Ajhar from Tikha Vasudev.
These individuals are believed to have masterminded multiple liquor runs using similar methods. Officials confirmed that such smuggling operations have frequently used ambulances and other official-looking vehicles.
AI Takeover: India No. 1 in the World
With elections nearing in Bihar, police suspect the smuggling could be linked to attempts by political groups to distribute liquor in exchange for votes. Such tactics are often used to influence the electorate, despite the law. Raids are underway to trace the remaining culprits and break the supply chain.