The Gujarat University police on Thursday evening raided a liquor and hookah party at the terrace of Santerian Vista Flats near Ambawadi Circle, arresting 16 people. Police said the liquor seized during the raid was within permissible limits, but none of the partygoers had a valid liquor consumption permit.
The party was reportedly organised under the guise of Vasi Uttarayan celebrations and began around 5 pm. Elaborate arrangements were made on the terrace, including decorations, a hookah counter and food. Several families were present at the residential complex during the celebrations.
Acting on a tip-off received by the control room, police raided the terrace and found a group consuming liquor, beer and hookah. During the investigation, police identified Kushal Shah, a resident of the same building, as the organiser of the party.
Police seized 10 liquor bottles, two empty liquor bottles, 21 beer bottles, 11 empty beer bottles, hookahs and other items worth around Rs 45,000. Investigators said Shah had allegedly brought liquor bottles during his foreign trips, including visits to Sri Lanka. The beer was allegedly arranged by Nandik Trivedi of Satellite, who is currently absconding. Police said Trivedi had procured the beer from a liquor permit shop.
Since none of the revellers had a valid liquor permit, police suspect the alcohol may have been sourced using another person’s permit. Sources said Shah works with a private skincare company.
Those arrested include Kushal Shah, Jayshali Shah, Raj Vasa, Pradeep Sandhi, Rasik Prajapati, Vidit, Bipin Panara, Dhruv Patel, Mahavir Kothari, Tarun Somani, Vishal Soni, Babulal Paliwal, Ashish Katara, Jorawar Chauhan and Sonu Lodi. A search is on for Nandik Trivedi.
Women not booked
Police clarified that women present at the location were inside the flat and came onto the terrace only after the raid. As there was no evidence of alcohol consumption by them, no action was taken.