MP police officer killed by truck during liquor interception in Dewas
Khategaon police station in-charge Dilip Puri died after a truck allegedly carrying illicit liquor ran over him.
A police station in-charge was killed on the Harda-Nemawar highway in Dewas district during an operation to intercept illegal liquor transportation on Monday. According to The News Mill, the officer, identified as Dilip Puri, was leading one of five teams formed to verify intelligence regarding the movement of illicit alcohol.
The incident occurred between 1 am and 2 am on the night of Sunday to Monday. Reports from The Assam Tribune indicate that after a scuffle broke out when Puri attempted to apprehend the driver, the driver allegedly tried to flee with the vehicle, resulting in the truck's rear wheel running over the officer.
Dewas Superintendent of Police Aditya Mishra confirmed that the police seized the Eicher truck and recovered more than 1,800 litres of alcohol that lacked purchase bills. Mishra stated that an investigation is underway to identify the smuggling network, including the source, destination, and those financially involved.
The Hindu reported that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed following the incident and a post-mortem has been conducted. While the driver and staff reportedly fled the scene, police are currently searching for them.
The incident follows recent investigations into deaths caused by spurious liquor in the district. Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar criticised the state government on X, alleging that the liquor mafia has no fear of the administration.