Gadchiroli, September 21: In a major crackdown on bootlegging in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, police intercepted a government ambulance smuggling liquor in a prohibited area. The operation led to the arrest of Dr Brahmanand Pungati, head of Pipli Burgi PHC after 10 cartons of desi liquor and 96 bottles of foreign liquor were found in the vehicle. The consignment, valued at over INR 50,000, was seized during a late-night "nakabandi" on September 20 on the Halewada-Kasansoor road, revealing an illicit operation in the Maoist-affected region.

According to a report by the Times of India, the incident unfolded when police conducted a routine check on the Halewada-Kasansoor road and became suspicious of the ambulance's cargo. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered not only the liquor but also multiple individuals inside, raising immediate concerns about the vehicle’s intended purpose. The driver, Shashikant Telami, initially claimed to be transporting a patient, but his evasive behaviour prompted further investigation, leading to the discovery of the illegal liquor. Maharashtra Shocker: Man Tied to Tree, Brutally Thrashed With Sticks Over Suspicion of Theft in Ahmednagar; Disturbing Video Surfaces.

The consignment, which included 10 cartons of desi liquor and 96 bottles of foreign liquor, was allegedly stocked at the PHC quarters to evade police detection. Dr Pungati allegedly used the PHC quarters to host “liquor parties” with associates, reported Times of India.  The investigation revealed that the liquor may have been sourced from Chhattisgarh, where interstate smugglers are known to transport alcohol into Gadchiroli. Maharashtra Shocker: Worm Found in Child's Saline at Sahyadri Hospital in Nashik, Video Surfaces.

One of the bootleggers, identified as Dilip Lekami, managed to escape during the operation, leaving Dr Pungati and others trapped inside the ambulance as it was being chased by law enforcement. The Maharashtra Medical Council has issued a show-cause notice to Dr Pungati for his involvement in this illegal activity. Following the arrests, authorities have blacklisted him while they also noted that the doctor’s actions could lead to the revocation of his medical license, as they violated the ethical standards expected of healthcare professionals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2024 12:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).