Probe into Madhya Pradesh cop's murder at vehicle check uncovers interstate liquor-smuggling network

The investigation began with the alleged killing of Khategaon police station in-charge Dilip Puri during a late-night vehicle check. Police had information that a truck was carrying liquor from Timarni in Harda district toward Gujarat. When Puri approached the truck near a dhaba, its driver allegedly accelerated and ran him over. Constable Sohan Jat was also injured during the escape attempt.

The truck was later found abandoned near Sandalpur and seized. Police recovered more than 1,800 litres of liquor from secret compartments. Investigators then traced the shipment to licensed liquor outlets in Timarni and identified suppliers, transporters, distributors and financial handlers. The probe ultimately named seven people, including a Gujarat-based operator and Congress leader Rahul Jaiswal.

The case expanded from a fatal inspection into a wider interstate-smuggling investigation. Police arrested the alleged driver, organiser and other associates, while two suspects remained absconding. Chief minister Mohan Yadav ordered coordinated action against the transportation, storage and sale of illicit liquor across Madhya Pradesh.

Interstate liquor smuggling means transporting alcohol from one state to another outside the authorised legal system. It can involve hidden consignments, false or incomplete paperwork, unauthorised sellers, and routes designed to evade enforcement. The investigation described in the article found a network moving liquor across state borders from Madhya Pradesh toward Gujarat.

The reported destination mattered because Gujarat is a dry state, with an alcohol ban in force since 1960. That prohibition meant the liquor could not be openly sold through the normal trade described in Madhya Pradesh. Investigators said the syndicate sourced alcohol through licensed outlets, then moved it through concealed routes and specially modified trucks.

The case shows why the border crossing was central to the alleged business. The network linked shops, suppliers, transporters and distributors across several places. Police said liquor travelled through western Madhya Pradesh before being handed over for movement toward Gujarat. The investigation is continuing through arrests and action against alleged participants.

Police recovered more than 1,800 litres of liquor after finding the truck abandoned near Sandalpur. The quantity showed that the vehicle was allegedly carrying a major consignment rather than a small personal supply. Its discovery also gave investigators physical evidence connecting the fatal inspection to the wider smuggling case.

The liquor was concealed inside secret compartments built into the vehicle. Investigators said the smugglers used trucks fitted with chambers beneath legitimate cargo, allowing illicit cartons to travel without being immediately visible. This modification was a key part of the alleged network’s transport method.

The hidden load was discovered after the truck driver allegedly fled when Puri attempted to inspect it. Police later seized the vehicle and searched it, recovering the concealed liquor. The finding helped investigators trace the consignment to licensed shops in Timarni and examine the roles of suppliers, transporters, distributors and financial handlers.

The alleged syndicate combined ordinary-looking legal supply points with covert transport. Investigators said liquor was procured through licensed outlets in Madhya Pradesh, especially shops in Timarni linked to Patendra Jaiswal. The stock was allegedly siphoned off and placed into a structured chain involving suppliers, transporters and distributors.

Modified trucks formed the core mechanism. Police said the vehicles had chambers beneath legitimate cargo, where liquor cartons were concealed. The consignments then travelled through western Madhya Pradesh districts before moving toward Gujarat. Escort vehicles reportedly monitored police activity and helped the trucks pass through risky stretches.

This system spread responsibility across several roles. Shops supplied the liquor, transporters arranged vehicles, drivers moved the consignments, and distributors handled delivery. The alleged use of licensed outlets, hidden compartments and escorts made the operation harder to detect. The investigation is now examining the network’s people, money flows and cross-border links.

Police described Rahul Jaiswal, the Khategaon assembly in-charge and Congress leader, as the alleged kingpin. They said he coordinated liquor movements, managed operations and financial transactions, collected the illicit proceeds and distributed shares. Manish Jaiswal of Indore and Mohin Jaiswal of Gujarat were also identified as alleged partners.

The reported arrangement assigned Rahul, Manish and Mohin 30% each of the business. Liquor contractor Patendra Jaiswal of Barwani allegedly held the remaining 10%. Vijay Rao, an Indore resident and employee, was arrested and reportedly confessed that he worked in the network for Rahul. Keram Singh, an Alirajpur-based transporter, allegedly arranged trucks.

The transport side allegedly involved truck driver Gajendra alias Akku Rawat of Alirajpur, who police accused of running over Puri. Police said the other members handled sourcing, transportation and delivery. Rahul, Keram and Vijay were arrested, while Manish and Mohin remained absconding when the report was filed.

The investigation produced criminal and administrative consequences. Police arrested truck driver Gajendra alias Akku Rawat, whom they accused of mowing down officer Dilip Puri. They also arrested alleged organiser Rahul Jaiswal, transporter Keram Singh and employee Vijay Rao. Manish Jaiswal and Mohin Jaiswal were absconding when the report was filed.

The FIR invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Excise Act. Police also said Rawat was arrested in Alirajpur two days after the incident, following a brief encounter with Dewas police. The arrests reflected the case’s expansion from the alleged assault into a broader smuggling investigation.

Administrative action followed as well. Timarni assistant district excise officer Amar Singh Baghel and two excise constables were suspended for alleged negligence. The Harda administration suspended the licences of three liquor shops operated by Patendra Jaiswal. Chief minister Mohan Yadav separately ordered statewide action against illicit liquor transportation, storage and sale.

Alcohol prohibition can create incentives for illegal supply when people still seek alcohol but lawful outlets cannot sell it. A ban can make cross-border supply financially attractive, especially when alcohol is available in a neighbouring state. In this case, investigators said liquor moved from Madhya Pradesh toward Gujarat, where an alcohol ban has been in force since 1960.

Licensing and excise systems are the official controls for legal alcohol trade. Licences authorise specified shops or contractors to sell alcohol, while excise authorities oversee compliance and collect duties under state rules. The article says the alleged network used licensed Madhya Pradesh outlets, then diverted stock into illicit transport. It does not provide a full account of the licensing or excise process.

The investigation led to suspended shop licences and action against excise personnel for alleged negligence. It also prompted a statewide enforcement directive from chief minister Mohan Yadav. The case shows that controls depend on both authorised supply channels and effective monitoring of how liquor is transported and sold.