Social Worker Exposes 500 Bootleggers, Demands Crackdown in Surat

Surat : Surat is witnessing a rampant rise in the illicit liquor trade, with allegations of police inaction fueling public outrage. Social worker Darshan Naik has taken the fight against bootleggers to the highest levels of government, writing to Gujarat Home Minister and furnishing a list of over 500 bootleggers actively involved in smuggling and selling Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in Surat district. Despite repeated complaints and assurances from the police, Naik claims that the illegal alcohol business continues to thrive, leaving Surat’s youth and society at risk.

Naik’s letter underscores the alarming situation, highlighting how liquor is openly sold on public roads, particularly in Surat’s rural areas. He pointed out that in November 2024, a list of 538 bootleggers compiled by the police department was submitted to the Director General of Police (DGP) and Chief Police Officer in Gandhinagar. The investigation was subsequently handed over to the Superintendent of Police, Surat Rural. However, official responses have been disappointing—while 43 bootleggers were proposed for prosecution and 93 for deportation, Naik asserts that in reality, not a single bootlegger has faced strict legal action.

“The police department is treating prohibition crimes as a mere formality. Despite our numerous representations, liquor dens continue to operate freely, and bootleggers are flourishing under police inaction. If this situation persists, it will lead to irreversible damage to our society,” Naik said.

The growing influence of bootleggers has led to a surge in related criminal activities in Surat. The letter warns that unchecked bootlegging is fueling violent crimes, with intoxicated youth engaging in theft, assault, and gang-related activities. Naik has accused certain police officers of deliberately turning a blind eye to the crisis, allowing bootleggers to operate with impunity.

“It is deeply unfortunate that in a city like Surat, known for its business acumen and cultural heritage, bootleggers are ruling the streets. The law is being mocked in broad daylight while our next generation falls prey to addiction,” Naik added.

Despite the Gujarat government’s strict prohibition laws, the illegal liquor trade has found deep roots, often shielded by corrupt networks. Naik has demanded that a “Special Public Prosecutor” be appointed to fast-track cases against bootleggers, ensuring severe punishment for offenders. He also urged the government to conduct a statewide crackdown, sealing liquor dens and terminating any officials found complicit in the trade.