Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Dens in Rajkot: Police Demolish Bootlegger’s Hut; Scuffle Breaks Out Between Woman and Cops

Rajkot – In a decisive move against illegal liquor trade, Rajkot police bulldozed the hut of a known female bootlegger, Pankhu Versingh Solanki, who was reportedly running a country liquor business from an illegally constructed hut on government land. The demolition operation led to intense moments as the woman resisted the action, resulting in a scuffle with police officials.

Authorities reported that Pankhu Solanki had at least 20 prohibition-related cases registered against her. Despite earlier notices issued to vacate the area, the illegal encroachment was not removed, prompting the police to take action on Thursday. Joined by officials from the Mamlatdar office and PGVCL, Rajkot Taluka Police carried out the demolition using a bulldozer.

During the operation, a sack filled with packets of country liquor was found inside the hut, leading to preparations for filing an additional case against the bootlegger. The demolition also included the removal of a small illegal temple structure built on the same plot.

Illegal Liquor Hub Operated for Over 18 Months

The encroachment was located near the Vavdi police chowki, where several huts had been set up for the illegal sale of liquor. Solanki had been operating from the location for more than one and a half years, despite multiple complaints and previous legal actions under the PASA Act during the last Lok Sabha elections. Her family members have also reportedly been involved in robbery cases.

Wider Crackdown on Religious and Commercial Encroachments

This operation was part of a broader drive by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation and local authorities to remove encroachments. Late last night, similar actions were taken in the city’s West Zone, where illegal religious structures and commercial units were demolished. These included a dargah and two dairies on Raiya Dhar Main Road.

In Ward No. 1, a 10-square-meter illegal extension of the Gebanshah Peer Dargah near Atlantis Hill building was also razed. Additionally, unauthorized extensions of Rokadia Hanumanji Mandir and nearby dairies were removed to clear the main road. The actions were carried out with tight security during nighttime hours to avoid unrest.

Authorities Vow Continued Action

Local officials emphasized that the crackdown on illegal encroachments, especially those related to liquor and unauthorized religious structures, will continue as per government directives. The recent operations have helped free up valuable public land and restore order in encroached areas.