Gujarat Police Crackdown on Bootleggers

In a surprising development, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of the Director General of Police (DGP) Gujarat has sent a letter to the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, urging action against two notorious bootleggers in the Meghaninagar area. Dated July 25, 2024, the correspondence has ignited discussions within police and government circles, as it deviates from the typical informal communication usually employed in such cases. The SMC has requested a report back within two days following the Commissioner’s actions, raising questions about the motivations behind this formal approach. The unusual directive has led to speculation among police officers and officials, as the SMC typically handles such matters directly. Sources indicate that the decision to involve the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner, who has been on leave since July 22, is unprecedented and has sparked debates regarding the internal dynamics of the police force. The Commissioner is expected to return by July 27, which adds urgency to the situation. The SMC, tasked with monitoring illegal liquor and gambling activities in Gujarat, has faced scrutiny for its operational delays, including a week-long postponement in suspending a regional police inspector linked to a recent liquor seizure in Bhavnagar. Critics argue that such delays undermine the SMC's effectiveness, especially as the bootlegger from that operation remains at large. As the situation unfolds, the implications of this unusual directive may have lasting effects on the operational protocols and accountability within Gujarat's police force.