Ahmedabad

Police have arrested 43 men and detained 38 women for allegedly consuming liquor during a private party at a villa on the outskirts of Ahmedabad in Gujarat, a dry state, officials said on Thursday. Alcohol, hookahs, cars and mobile phones worth Rs 2.3 crore were seized during the operation.

The action followed a raid conducted shortly after midnight on Wednesday at a marriage anniversary celebration held at Safal Nirvana Greens near Sanand, on the outskirts of the city, police said.

Manufacture, sale and consumption of liquor are prohibited in Gujarat.

According to the police, a Mumbai-based man had organised the party to celebrate his brother-in-law’s 25th wedding anniversary at around 12.30 am on Thursday. A group of close friends, including men and women, were invited to the villa, which is owned by an associate of the organiser.

A total of 81 people present at the party were booked.

“While 43 male attendees were arrested, 38 women were detained and later released after being issued notices,” Ahmedabad Rural Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat said.

During the raid, police seized 15 liquor bottles, 10 hookahs, 22 cars and 74 mobile phones, collectively valued at Rs 2.3 crore, he said.

Blood samples of all attendees have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to check for the presence of alcohol and drugs. “If consumption of narcotic substances is detected in any sample, action will also be taken under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,” the SP added.

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A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, and further investigation is underway, police said.