Police book 38 people for liquor consumption after Rajkot hotel raid
The Local Crime Branch conducted the raid on a birthday party at a hotel on Kalawad Road on Saturday night.
Police in Rajkot booked 38 people on suspicion of consuming liquor following a raid on a birthday party at a hotel on Kalawad Road, according to ThePrint.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Rakesh Desai said the Local Crime Branch conducted the raid on Saturday night after receiving a tip-off. The party was organised by Chirag Patel to celebrate his birthday.
Authorities collected blood samples from 98 guests and hotel staff at Rajkot Civil Hospital. An FIR under the Gujarat Prohibition Act was registered against 35 male guests and three hotel staffers who were found to be under the influence of alcohol.
Desai stated that nearly 30 women were present at the party, but tests showed none had consumed alcohol. Police seized 11 empty and seven filled 750 ml bottles of Indian Made Foreign liquor of various brands.
The police are currently examining CCTV footage, the hotel's licence, and past records. They are also investigating the role of the hotel management and others connected to the party.
Gujarat is a dry state where the manufacture, storage, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Most people at the party were from Rajkot and neighbouring Morbi.