Sri Vijaya Puram, May 07: A targeted police operation in the dense forest area of Nimbudera led to the recovery and destruction of nearly 400 litres of illicit lehan allegedly intended for illegal liquor brewing activities.
The operation was carried out on May 4 by a team from Police Station Billiground following specific intelligence inputs regarding suspected illicit liquor production in the area. Acting on the information, police personnel conducted a search in the forested region identified during the intelligence gathering process.
During the search operation, the police team detected a large quantity of fermented wash, commonly referred to as lehan, concealed inside the forest. Officials said the recovered material measured approximately 400 litres and was stored in containers hidden within the vegetation.
No individual was found at the site during the operation, and no claimant came forward to take responsibility for the recovered material. Following recovery, the entire quantity of illicit lehan along with the containers used for storage was destroyed on the spot in accordance with prescribed procedures.
Police officials indicated that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal liquor brewing activities in remote and forested areas. Illicit brewing using fermented wash continues to remain a concern in several regions due to its links with unregulated alcohol production and associated public safety risks.
Authorities stated that search and surveillance activities are being carried out based on intelligence inputs to identify locations where unlawful brewing operations may be taking place. Forest areas and isolated pockets are often used for concealment of raw materials and brewing equipment to avoid detection.
The police have appealed to the public to share information regarding illegal activities, including illicit liquor production, with the nearest police station or through emergency helpline numbers. Citizens can report information through helpline numbers 100, 112, or 03192-273344.
Officials said the identity of informants would be kept confidential. Police also stated that suitable rewards may be provided for credible information leading to detection of illegal activities.
The matter remains under inquiry to determine whether the recovered lehan was linked to a larger illicit brewing network operating in the region.
