T’puram: A 28-year-old man was arrested by Kilimanoor excise team for allegedly stocking and illegally selling Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) during a special enforcement drive ahead of Onam. The accused was identified as Mohammed Rashid of Nagarur.According to the excise department, around 60 litres of IMFL were seized during a search conducted as a part of a crackdown on the illegal liquor trade in the district. Acting on a tip-off, the excise team reached Seemavila, where the accused had allegedly concealed the liquor in an unoccupied shed and on a motorcycle.Officials said Rashid was allegedly selling the liquor when the excise team arrived. On spotting the officers, he attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief pursuit.Excise officials said the accused was no stranger to enforcement agencies. Around a month ago, he had allegedly attacked an excise team and managed to escape. An Abkari case is also pending against him at Nagarur Police Station.Officials said illegal liquor sales tend to rise in the run-up to Onam as demand for alcohol increases. The department has intensified inspections and raids to curb unauthorised liquor trade and prevent violations of Abkari Act.The operation was led by Kilimanoor excise inspector Shijin S and his team. The accused was produced before a court and remanded.
