Continuing its crackdown on illegal liquor activities, the South Andaman Police conducted an excise raid near Tirupati Temple at Haddo, leading to the seizure of a substantial quantity of illicit liquor and the arrest of one individual on February 22.
The operation was carried out following the registration of Excise Case FIR No. 03/2026 under Section 32 of Regulation III of 1876, which deals with offences related to the unlawful possession and sale of intoxicants. Acting on specific inputs, a police team from Police Station Chatham conducted the raid in the vicinity of the temple area, an area that has seen increased monitoring as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
According to official information shared by the Superintendent of Police (South Andaman), the raiding team was led by an Assistant Sub-Inspector and included personnel from different ranks to ensure effective execution of the operation. The coordinated action resulted in the recovery of a sizeable cache of liquor suspected to be stored for illegal distribution.
During the raid, police recovered 57 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and 11 bottles or cans of beer, taking the total seizure to 68 liquor bottles and cans. The seized items were taken into custody as evidence under the relevant excise provisions, and procedural formalities were initiated at the police station.
One person was arrested at the spot in connection with the case. Police officials indicated that further investigation is underway to ascertain the source of the liquor, the intended distribution network, and whether others were involved in the operation. The accused is expected to be produced before the competent court as per legal procedure.
Officials said the raid forms part of sustained enforcement measures being undertaken across South Andaman to curb the illegal sale, storage and movement of liquor, particularly in residential and sensitive areas. Such activities, police noted, often lead to law and order issues and pose public safety concerns.
The Superintendent of Police acknowledged the efforts of the raiding team for the successful operation and reiterated that strict action would continue against those found violating excise laws. Police units have been instructed to remain vigilant and intensify surveillance based on ground-level inputs and intelligence gathering.
Residents were also urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing credible information related to illegal liquor activities and other unlawful practices. Police have emphasised that community participation plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order and ensuring effective enforcement of excise regulations.
The latest seizure adds to a series of actions taken by South Andaman Police in recent weeks as part of a campaign against illegal liquor trade. Authorities have indicated that similar drives will continue across the district to deter offenders and reinforce compliance with excise laws.
