Probe begins in bootlegger duo’s network

SURAT: Arrest of bootlegger Firoz Frutiwala and his brother Salim by the rapid response cell (RR cell) of Surat Range IGP office is being seen as a major success by the police for their investigation into the illegal liquor distribution network busted in Barbodhan of Olpad on October 26.
The accused continued to bring liquor in large quantity to the city even after 23 people lost their lives in the hooch tragedy in Surat district.Because of importance of the case, its investigation is being supervised by Shamsher Singh, IGP, Surat range. The accused were produced in a court on Saturday which remanded them in police custody for three days.
The accused duo was arrested by police on Friday for bringing a container full of liquor worth Rs22 lakh from Daman to sell in the city. Police had seized six vehicles and liquor worth Rs82 lakh from Babodhan of Olpad on October 26. Fruitwala and his gang are top bootleggers of the city.
Police investigation is likely to reveal the names of the cops who were working in connivance with the accused bootleggers. Many cops faced action recently for their alleged links with the bootleggers. Despite strict action against some cops, the arrested duo was getting support of police personnel. “The bootlegging network is being investigated from both ends. We are investigating the role of bootleggers from Gujarat and suppliers of Daman. If needed, we will make more arrests,” said Singh.
Police had arrested Sanat Patel of Daman for supplying liquor to the Fruitwala duo when he came to the city 10 days ago. Police are now working to identify associates of Patel in Daman and gathering evidence against them.
“Considering the importance of the case, we are investigating it thoroughly. No one found to be involved in the bootlegging racket will be spared,” Singh added.