The Thane Division of the State Excise Department busted a gang involved in manufacturing and distributing fake liquor under branded labels. The operation, carried out on April 4, led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of spurious liquor, packaging materials, and machinery valued at Rs 61.46 lakh. One accused, identified as Rakesh Balaram Mhatre, is currently absconding.

Acting on confidential information received on April 1, a team led by Pravin Tambe, divisional deputy commissioner launched a sting operation. The team initially raided a location near Hotel PM Palace in Penkarpada, Mira Road East, and apprehended one accused, Ramkesh Sitaram Gupta, who was found in possession of fake liquor worth Rs 1.25 lakh.

Upon interrogation, Gupta revealed that he received a regular weekly supply from a person who was due to arrive near Chetan Wine Shop at Jangir Circle, Shrishti Road, Mira Road East.

As per the plan, a tempo (MH-12-HD-7761) soon arrived at the location and delivered boxes containing 180 ml bottles of Royal Challenge Whiskey and DSP Black to Gupta. The delivery person was detained, and further questioning led the team to the supplier’s residence.

The trail led officials to Jambhulwadi on Kalyan-Bhiwandi Road, where they found another accused, Nitesh Balaram Mhatre, loading liquor into a vehicle (MH-04EL-7802). Upon further inspection, the team discovered a makeshift setup in a room behind the residence used to refill empty branded bottles, seal them with fake caps using a fabricated machine, and prepare them for illegal distribution.

The excise team seized a substantial stock of counterfeit Indian-made foreign liquor, sealing equipment, empty bottles, caps, labels, and other paraphernalia, all totalling Rs 61.46 lakh in value.

Those arrested in the case include Ramkesh Sitaram Gupta, Rahul Dnyaneshwar Kate, Ganesh Prakash Bandre, Pappu Devnath Gupta, and Nitesh Balaram Mhatre. The key accused and alleged mastermind, Rakesh Balaram Mhatre, is on the run and a manhunt has been launched to trace him.