Truck Driver Arrested After Running Over Police Inspector in Dewas

UPDATE - follow-up to Madhya Pradesh Police inspector mowed down by truck carrying illicit liquor in Dewas: Police have arrested the truck owner in connection with the death of Khategaon station in-charge Dilip Puri, who was mowed down on the Indore-Betul highway while inspecting a vehicle carrying illegal liquor. The driver, identified as Gajendra Rawat alias Akku from Alirajpur district, remains on the run. The seized truck was found carrying over 1,800 litres of illicit liquor packed in about 200 cartons hidden beneath a false metal floor designed to make the vehicle look empty.

Investigation

Special Director General Upendra Jain stated that the truck was provided by Kairam Singh Changod, who has been taken into custody. Police have also arrested Rahul Jaiswal, a local Congress functionary and party in-charge for the Khategaon Assembly seat, along with his associate Vijay Rao for running the network that smuggled liquor from Harda's Timarni to Gujarat. Other named suspects in the multi-district network include liquor shop owner Patendra Jaiswal, Manish Jaiswal, and Mohin Jaiswal. Following the incident, Harda Collector Kumar Satyam cancelled three shop licenses belonging to Patendra Jaiswal, and the State Excise Department suspended Assistant District Excise Officer Amar Singh Baghel and two constables for negligence.

Government Action

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial aid of one crore rupees for the family of the late officer and a sub-inspector post for his wife on compassionate grounds. State Congress president Jitu Patwari criticized the government over law and order and alleged that the illegal liquor trade flourished with administrative backing. Dewas Police have offered a reward of 10,000 rupees for information on absconding suspects, while police superintendents across five districts have formed teams to conduct raids against the cartel.

Context

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges state law enforcement faces in tackling illegal alcohol smuggling rings operating across district borders. Smugglers often use modified vehicles with hidden chambers to bypass routine highway checks and transport prohibited goods to neighboring states where alcohol sale is restricted.