Ahmedabad Man Detained for Boasting About Illegal Liquor Business in Viral Video

A resident of Gomtipur, Ahmedabad, was taken into custody after boasting about his illicit alcohol dealing and showing off his alleged stash in a video. Ashraf Pathan, who was detained from his home in Khetarshabawa Chhapra, is facing legal consequences for spreading false and misleading information about illegal businesses.

Gujarat has a ban on liquor, which has been in place since 1960. The possession, sale and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited and violators can face harsh penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

The Ahmedabad authorities posted the footage of Ashraf on their official X account, which showed him bragging about his illicit trade. He later apologised to the authorities for his actions.

In the video, Ashraf is seen surrounded by hundreds of boxes purportedly holding bottles of foreign liquor made in India. He is heard bragging about his illicit business, saying, “Dhandha toh do number ka hi karne ka (If you do business, then it should be illegal).”

He continued, “If the vehicle gets caught, then a case will be registered against us at the police station but if it gets through, then you will have a pocketful of cash and lead a lavish life. So, keep going, keep shining!”

However, the video backfired on him when the city crime branch tracked him down to his house in Gomtipur and questioned him about it. Ashraf told the police that the video was shot in a liquor godown in Ajmer, Rajasthan, around five days ago and apologised for his actions.

The caption accompanying the video read, “Ahmedabad city crime branch nabs Ashraf alias Bapu, who made reels in a godown full of liquor boxes.”

The criminal division said in a statement that the video sent the wrong impression. A complaint has been lodged against him under Section 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanita, which stipulates that anyone found guilty of causing a public disturbance in any circumstance not otherwise covered by the Sanhita may be fined up to Rs 1,000.

Times of India reported that Ashraf was already subject to a two-year sentence from the district of Ahmedabad. He has been brought to the police in Gomtipur so they can pursue additional legal action.