Vapi Transporter Anticipatory Bail Rejected in Large Scale Pardi Liquor Smuggling Case
A significant legal development has emerged in the major liquor seizure case involving a truck intercepted in Pardi taluka carrying contraband worth nearly 19 lakh rupees. The Vapi based transporter accused of orchestrating the shipment by sending the driver to collect the illegal cargo has seen his anticipatory bail plea rejected by the local court. The judiciary emphasized the gravity of the offense and the necessity for a deep rooted investigation into the smuggling network, stating that providing anticipatory relief to a key suspect could hinder the progress of the police inquiry. This ruling marks a win for the Local Crime Branch as they attempt to dismantle the supply chain operating between Daman and Junagadh.
The origins of the case date back to November 26, 2025, when the Local Crime Branch of the Valsad police received a high level tip off regarding a massive consignment of prohibited liquor crossing state lines. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, the LCB team set up a strategic intercept point near Kalsar village in Pardi taluka. Upon stopping a suspicious truck, officers conducted a meticulous search and discovered a clever concealment method. The smugglers had hidden a vast quantity of foreign made liquor behind fifteen large wooden reels typically used for packing electric wires. The total valuation of the seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor was calculated at 19,05,936 rupees, representing one of the larger hauls in the region during that period.
During the initial operation, the police arrested the truck driver identified as Nasim Jafaruddin Khan on the spot. Under sustained interrogation, the driver provided crucial details that shifted the focus of the investigation toward the logistics providers. He revealed that he was acting under the direct instructions of Pradeepkumar Bholenath Padi, a transporter based in Vapi. The driver alleged that Padi had provided the truck and specifically directed him to collect the liquor from the Union Territory of Daman. The objective was to transport the prohibited goods to Junagadh for distribution. Investigation further revealed that the transporter was in constant contact with the driver via telephone, providing real time guidance on routes and delivery points.
Following the driver’s confession and the seizure of the vehicle and contraband, the LCB officially declared Pradeepkumar Padi as a wanted suspect in the case. Seeking to avoid immediate arrest, the transporter approached the Additional Sessions Court in Vapi to file for anticipatory bail. The legal proceedings were held before Additional Sessions Judge H.N. Vakil. The defense argued for relief based on the premise that the accused was a businessman being wrongly implicated. However, the prosecution countered these claims by presenting evidence of the transporter’s active role in the planning and execution of the smuggling operation.
Government Pleader Anil Tripathi represented the state during the hearing and presented a strong opposition to the bail application. He argued that Pradeepkumar Padi was not merely a passive participant but the primary mastermind behind the logistics of this specific smuggling attempt. The prosecution highlighted that his active role in coordinating the driver and the source in Daman made his custodial interrogation essential to uncover the broader network. There was a stated concern that if granted anticipatory bail, the suspect might use his influence to tamper with evidence or intimidate potential witnesses. The prosecution insisted that the integrity of the Gujarat Prohibition Act depended on holding those who manage the transport of illegal alcohol accountable.
After carefully weighing the arguments from both sides, Judge H.N. Vakil concurred with the prosecution’s assessment of the case’s severity. The court noted that the large scale of the liquor seizure and the organized nature of the transport indicated a sophisticated criminal enterprise. Consequently, the court ordered the rejection of the anticipatory bail application. This judicial decision has now paved the way for the LCB to proceed with the arrest of the transporter. The police believe that Padi’s arrest will lead to further breakthroughs, potentially identifying the distributors in Junagadh and the suppliers in Daman who are feeding the illegal trade.
With the legal shield of anticipatory bail removed, the pressure on the accused transporter has increased significantly. The Local Crime Branch has intensified its search operations to locate and apprehend him. This case highlights the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in border areas like Pardi and Vapi, where the proximity to Daman provides a constant incentive for liquor smugglers. The police department has reiterated its commitment to tracking down all individuals involved in the illegal network, from the grassroots drivers to the influential transporters who provide the necessary infrastructure for these crimes. The rejection of the bail plea serves as a clear warning to the transport industry against providing logistics support for prohibited activities.
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