In a significant crackdown, Bengaluru’s Excise Police arrested Purushottam, a Kathreguppe resident, for smuggling large quantities of liquor from Goa and selling it at discounted rates in the city. Purushottam, found in possession of 144 bottles (approximately 151 litres) of Goa-sourced liquor worth Rs 5 lakh, was arrested after authorities discovered that the bottles were marked “For Sale in Goa Only,” indicating the illicit nature of the trade.
Purushottam reportedly had contacts with liquor shop owners in Goa, which enabled him to smuggle liquor into Bengaluru by bus to evade state excise duties. His activities raised suspicions on August 27, when Excise officials observed him carrying a large bag near Banashankari’s Second Stage while riding a two-wheeler. Upon inspection, officials seized the illegal liquor, and further searches at his home revealed a larger stock of contraband.
The operation was conducted under the leadership of South Division Excise Joint Commissioner J. Giri and Nagar District Deputy Commissioner M. Rangappa, with the efforts of Excise Inspector P.J. John, Deputy Inspector Prashantha, and their team. The authorities are continuing their investigation to dismantle the broader smuggling network.
In a separate incident, Sivagange Gowda (38) and his wife Jayalakshmi (35), residents of Tunganagar in Herohalli, were brutally attacked by a group of thugs on a public road in Bengaluru. The assault, which occurred on Sunday evening, was prompted by a dispute over public drinking near the couple’s car. Gowda, who was parking his Innova, had confronted a group of individuals openly consuming alcohol on the roadside and asked them to leave. Though they initially agreed, the group continued drinking.
Later that evening, at around 9 pm, Gowda, accompanied by his pet dog, again approached the group and insisted they vacate the area. Offended by his repeated requests, the individuals began to verbally insult him before calling in reinforcements. Within moments, a larger group of five to six men arrived, launching a violent attack on the couple. The thugs damaged their car and inflicted severe injuries on Gowda, who was rushed to a private hospital for treatment.
An FIR has been registered, and Bengaluru Police are reviewing CCTV footage to track down the suspects, who are believed to include Dhanu, Anand, Sanju, and other accomplices. Authorities are working on identifying all individuals involved and bringing them to justice.
