Shimla, July 8,
In a raid, 27 individuals, including a young BJP leader, were held while partying in a private hotel in Matansiddh, under Sadar police station Hamirpur. The incident occurred during the ongoing enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the upcoming bye-elections. The hotel in question lacked the necessary bar license, making the gathering illegal.
Reportedly, the police action, initiated around midnight following a tip-off, saw the partygoers attempt to evade capture by shutting off the hotel lights. Despite the chaos, the police managed to identify the young BJP leader, who had contested the 2022 elections from Mandi district. However, the political leader escaped amidst the confusion. All 27 individuals were taken to Medical College Hamirpur for medical examinations and are now facing charges under Section 46 of the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act.
Simultaneously, the hotel owner is being charged under Section 39 of the same act for operating without a bar license. Superintendent of Police Hamirpur, Bhagat Singh, confirmed the operation was based on secret information, emphasizing the police’s commitment to uphold the MCC and ensure law and order during the election period.
The crackdown comes amid a broader sweep by state authorities, targeting illicit activities during the bye-election period.
A spokesman from the State Election Department revealed that since the MCC was implemented, illicit liquor, cash, drugs, and jewelry worth around Rs. 3.31 crore have been seized. Specifically, the police and excise department confiscated 10,358 liters of illicit liquor valued at Rs. 14.12 lakh. Additionally, the Income Tax Department seized 3.13 kilograms of precious metals worth Rs. 2.13 crore.
Enforcement agencies also intercepted substantial amounts of narcotics, including 1.06 kilograms of charas, 19 grams of heroin, 4.59 grams of smack, and 1.32 kilograms of poppy husk, totaling a street value of over Rs. 6.58 lakh. Cash seizures amounted to Rs. 93.66 lakh. The Industries Department imposed fines totaling Rs. 2.67 lakh in 74 cases under the Mining Act.
The police and other departments remain vigilant, striving to curb illegal activities and maintain order as the state approaches the bye-elections on June 10, 2024.
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