Police arrest bootlegger in Awantipora, illicit liquor seized

Awantipora, KNT: Police in Awantipora have arrested a bootlegger and recovered illicit liquor along with cash during a routine patrolling exercise, officials said on Wednesday.

A police party from Police Station Awantipora, led by the Station House Officer, was carrying out routine patrolling near the Gurudwara area of Awantipora when a suspicious individual attempted to flee on noticing the police presence. However, he was apprehended tactfully by the police team.

The accused has been identified as Irshad Ahmad Mochi, son of Mohammad Sultan Mochi, a local of Pinglish Tral.

During the search, police recovered 18 bottles of illicit liquor and a cash amount of Rs 18,200 from his possession. Police said the recovered cash is suspected to be proceeds from illegal liquor trade, and the matter is being investigated further.

Subsequently, a case vide FIR No. 20/2026 under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Awantipora, and investigation has been taken up.

Awantipora Police have appealed to locals to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and share information related to drug or liquor trafficking in their areas, stating that public support is essential to curb such social evils. [KNT]