A Violent Clash During a Police Raid
On Monday evening, a Delhi police constable injured during a raid on a bootlegger’s home in Badarpur, Southeast Delhi. The attack happened around 8 PM when a mob armed with sticks and bricks confronted the police.
The Raid Begins
The police had received a tip at about 7 PM. They learned that a large amount of illegal liquor was stored at the house of a man named Kailash, aged 63. He is known as a bootlegger and has faced several previous cases under the Excise Act, a law made to regulate the alcohol trade in India.
Discovery of Illegal Activities
After gathering information, a team of police officers dressed in civilian clothes went to the Gautampuri area in Badarpur. Once there, Constables Lakhan and Satbir saw Kailash and an associate selling liquor openly on a staircase.
When the officers tried to confront them, Kailash shouted to the crowd, urging them to attack. He said, ‘Aaj ek-do ko jaan se maar do tab dhanda theek chalega,’ which means ‘Kill one or two of them, only then our business will run smoothly.’
Escalation of Violence
Upon hearing this, the mob attacked the police team. Kailash, his wife Seeta, an associate named Sameer, and a minor boy joined in the assault. They used sticks and bricks to injure the officers. Constable Satbir suffered severe injuries to his head and body and lost consciousness. Emergency medical help took him to Apollo Hospital in Sarita Vihar, but the doctors found him unfit to give a statement.
Police Reinforcements Arrive
Additional police officers quickly arrived to gain control over the situation. They managed to apprehend Kailash, Sameer, and the 17-year-old boy involved in the attack. However, some other attackers managed to escape during the chaos. Later, Seeta was also arrested.
Legal Actions Taken
The police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Badarpur Police Station. This report contains serious charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include:
- Section 221: Obstructing a public servant in their duties
- Section 132: Assault or using criminal force on a public servant
- Section 109(1): Attempted murder
- Section 112: Petty organized crime
- Section 3(5): Common intent
Background on Bootlegging and Alcohol Consumption
Punjab faces severe issues with the illegal liquor trade. Over the past decade, bootlegging has grown and is closely linked to problems with addiction and substance abuse in the state. Recent reports indicate that Punjab has one of the highest alcohol consumption rates in India. This situation makes it difficult for law enforcement and public health officials to manage effectively.
The Excise Act, which applies in this case, aims to regulate alcohol sale and use. However, in places like Punjab, where illegal liquor operations are common, law enforcement often struggles to keep control.
Next Steps for Police
The Delhi Police plan to continue their investigation after a Delhi Police constable injured. They are working to find other suspects involved in this violent incident. Their goal is to dismantle the illegal liquor distribution network that operates in the Badarpur area and beyond, reducing the alcohol related issues that impact the community.
