Despite Gujarat’s strict prohibition policy, Ahmedabad has topped the state in liquor-related offences, with more than 31,000 people caught with liquor or beer over the past three years.
According to government data presented in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, Ahmedabad recorded the highest number of cases, followed by Surat (9,436), Rajkot (4,258), and Vadodara (3,356).
In Ahmedabad alone, cases have steadily increased — from 9,441 in 2022-23 to 10,735 in 2023-24 and 10,836 in 2024-25 — averaging around 30 arrests per day in the most recent year. Officials admit that the real numbers could be higher as several cases go unreported.
Within the district, Daskroi (1,013 cases), Sanand (858), Dholka (761), Viramgam (488), Bavla (397), Mandal (258), Detroj (254), Dhandhuka (217), and East Ahmedabad (209) reported the highest violations.
The data also shows that in the past year, Ahmedabad registered 81 drug-related arrests, 1,354 gambling cases, 95 robberies, 107 murders, and 301 rape cases — reflecting wider law and order concerns.
Officials attribute the growing liquor offences to stress, changing lifestyles, and easier access, while admitting enforcement remains a major challenge under the stringent prohibition laws.