Police in Gujarat uncovered a high-profile liquor party operating inside a luxury hotel in Rajkot, enforcing the dry state's strict prohibition laws. Acting on specific surveillance information, law enforcement officers discreetly mobilized a dedicated team and conducted an unannounced raid at the Saraza Hotel along Kalawad Road. The sudden operation triggered immediate panic among the prominent guests, which included well-known industrialists, real estate developers, and jewellers gathered inside the venue.
Pre-Birthday Gathering for Chirag Patel of Decora Group
The private gathering was organized as a pre-birthday celebration for Chirag Patel of the Decora Group. With Patel's birthday falling on 12 November, the event was scheduled ahead of Diwali to host close associates, business partners, and acquaintances. In addition to high-end catering, foreign liquor was arranged and served to the attendees. A total of 76 people, comprising 43 men and 33 women, were present at the celebration, many of whom arrived at the venue driving expensive luxury vehicles worth millions.
Local Crime Branch Operation and Medical Screening
The raid was planned and executed by a team from the Local Crime Branch following credible intelligence about the illicit gathering. An ACP confirmed that officers seized foreign liquor and related contraband from the hotel during the search. Following the seizure, all 43 men and 33 women present at the party were taken to the local civil hospital for comprehensive blood and medical tests. Formal medical reports will determine precisely how many of the individuals had consumed alcohol during the event.
Venue Located Barely 850 Metres from Police Station
The operation gained significant public attention because the venue, Saraza Hotel, is situated merely 850 metres away from the Rajkot Taluka police station. Despite being located in such close proximity to a primary law enforcement facility, the organizers managed to arrange and serve illicit alcohol inside the private hall. Authorities took note of the location and immediately initiated the documentation required for pressing formal charges under state prohibition laws.
Legal Action Initiated Under Prohibition Act and BNS
The Rajkot Taluka police station has set in motion the process of registering a case under the relevant provisions of the Prohibition Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police confirmed that charges will also be filed against the general manager of the Saraza Hotel for facilitating the illicit party. Investigators are currently tracing the supply chain to discover how foreign liquor was procured inside Gujarat, while examining the precise culpability of the organizers and venue managers.
