Kapurthala: An unusual case of illegal liquor smuggling has come to light in Punjab’s Kapurthala district, leaving police and excise officials surprised. In Nava Pind Bhattha village, an uncle-nephew duo allegedly converted their house into an illegal liquor supply centre by creating an underground storage system beneath the bedroom and bathroom floors.
The accused had reportedly built a 1,000-litre underground storage tank similar to a petrol pump facility. Liquor was allegedly stored in the hidden tank and supplied through a pipeline and pump system installed beneath the floor. The arrangement was designed to avoid detection by police and excise officials.
A joint team of the police and Excise Department conducted a raid and uncovered the entire illegal setup. During the operation, officials recovered the underground tank, pipeline system, pump equipment and other materials allegedly used for storing and supplying illegal liquor. The team also seized 291.25 litres of illegal liquor from the spot.
The investigation revealed that the alleged illegal operation was being run by Ajit Singh and his nephew Sukhjit Singh alias Jeeti, both residents of Nava Pind Bhattha village. According to officials, the accused had created the hidden mechanism inside their house so that the illegal activity could continue without attracting attention from authorities.
Officials said the accused had constructed the storage tank beneath the floor and connected it with pipelines to move liquor outside. For filling liquor bottles, they allegedly used pump machines and nozzles similar to those used at fuel stations. The system allowed liquor distribution in a manner resembling a petrol pump operation.
According to police, accused Ajit Singh had previously been involved in illegal liquor smuggling cases. Around one-and-a-half years ago, he had come out on bail in a case related to illegal liquor trafficking. After his release, he allegedly started this new method of smuggling along with his nephew. Police officials said four cases under the Excise Act had already been registered against Ajit Singh.
Officials stated that illegal liquor trade poses a serious threat to public health and also causes significant revenue losses to the government. Due to the risks associated with consumption of spurious and illegally manufactured liquor, enforcement agencies have been conducting continuous operations against such networks.
The joint operation by the police and Excise Department began at around 6 am on July 28 and continued for several hours. During the search, officials inspected different parts of the house. When they examined the bedroom and bathroom floors, they discovered the hidden underground tank and pipeline network, leaving the team surprised.
The action was carried out as part of a special campaign launched under the direction of senior Excise Department officials. Authorities said legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused based on the recovered liquor and equipment.
Police have arrested Ajit Singh in connection with the case, while his nephew Sukhjit Singh alias Jeeti is currently absconding. Teams have been formed to trace him. A case has been registered at Kotwali Police Station and further investigation is underway.
Investigating agencies are now trying to determine how long the underground liquor supply network had been operating and how many people were involved in the illegal business. Police suspect that the accused may have been supplying liquor through this hidden system for a considerable period.
Officials said further action will be taken against other individuals found connected with the illegal liquor network during the course of the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
