Ahmedabad: The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) arrested a listed bootlegger on the run since 2023 and wanted in seven prohibition cases registered across Gujarat.The accused, identified as Naresh Raiji Raval, was arrested from a residential apartment near the Ranasan toll plaza in Naroda, Ahmedabad, following a tip-off. He was wanted in connection with a prohibition offence registered at Deesa Rural police station in Banaskantha, besides multiple cases lodged in Gandhinagar and Palanpur.Police also seized an iPhone 17 Pro Max, valued at around Rs 45,000, from his possession.According to investigators, Raval allegedly procured Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from Rajasthan and supplied it to various parts of Gujarat.Police records indicated that more than 35 prohibition cases were registered against him over the years. He was also declared a listed bootlegger at Pethapur police station.Apart from prohibition offences, Raval also faces three criminal cases, including an attempt to murder charge. Police alleged that he assaulted people to establish and maintain his dominance in the areas where he operated.Police said Raval’s arrest would aid ongoing investigations into liquor smuggling networks operating across north and central Gujarat.
