Continuing its crackdown against the illegal trade of liquor, the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kathua successfully apprehended a bootlegger and seized a significant quantity of illicit whisky from the Govindsar area.

The operation was carried out under the overall supervision of SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma. Acting on specific intelligence inputs on March 26, a police team led by PSI Ishan, In-charge Police Post Hatli, conducted a targeted operation in Govindsar.

During the operation, one accused identified as Mehnu Deen, son of Hemani and a resident of Uttar Pradesh (currently residing at Chak Ram Singh, Govindsar, Kathua), was apprehended. Upon search, the police recovered 37 quarters (180 ml each) of JK Excise Special Desi whisky from his possession, which he was allegedly carrying for illegal sale to earn unlawful profits.

The operation was executed under the guidance of Addl. SP Kathua Rahul Charak, DySP Headquarters Kathua Ravinder Singh, and SHO PS Kathua Inspector Ashish Sharma.

Following the recovery, the accused was taken into custody, and a case FIR No. 151/2026 under Section 48(f) of the Excise Act has been registered at Police Station Kathua. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.

The Kathua Police has urged the general public to come forward and share any information related to illegal liquor or drug activities, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital to maintaining a safe and substance-free society.