Dewas Cop Crushed to Death by Liquor Smuggling Truck
A police station in-charge in Dewas, MP, was crushed to death by a truck during an anti-liquor smuggling raid. 1,800 litres of alcohol recovered.
A high-stakes operation against illegal liquor smuggling turned fatal in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district when a police station in-charge was crushed to death by a fleeing truck. The tragic incident occurred during a midnight crackdown on the Harda-Nemawar highway, resulting in the recovery of a massive consignment of illicit alcohol.
Midnight Raid Turns Deadly
The incident unfolded between 1 am and 2 am on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. Acting on specific intelligence regarding the movement of an illegal liquor shipment, the police had deployed multiple teams to intercept the smugglers. Among those leading the charge was Dilip Puri, the officer in charge of the Khategaon police station.
According to official reports, the police had set up checkpoints to verify vehicles passing through the area. When a suspicious Eicher truck was signaled to pull over for inspection, the driver refused to stop. Instead of halting, the vehicle accelerated violently. In the ensuing chaos, the truck's rear wheel ran over Officer Puri, causing fatal injuries.
Coordinated Operation and Massive Recovery
The operation was a coordinated effort involving several jurisdictions. Superintendent of Police (SP) Aditya Mishra stated that five separate teams had been constituted to act on the intel. These teams were led by station in-charges from various areas, including Nemawar, Kannod, and Satwas, alongside Dilip Puri.
Despite the tragedy, the police managed to seize the vehicle used in the crime. Upon searching the Eicher truck, officers discovered a staggering amount of contraband. More than 1,800 litres of alcohol were recovered from the vehicle, all of which were being transported without any valid purchase bills or legal documentation.
Investigation into the Smuggling Network
The Dewas police have registered a case and have launched a comprehensive investigation to dismantle the syndicate behind the shipment. SP Aditya Mishra emphasized that the probe is now focusing on the broader logistics of the operation.
The authorities are currently working to uncover:
- The original source of the illegal liquor consignment.
- The intended destination of the shipment.
- The financial backers and individuals who funded the transportation.
- The specific roles played by various individuals in the logistics chain.
As the investigation continues, the police are scanning for further leads to identify all accomplices involved in the smuggling ring that led to the death of the dedicated officer.