New Delhi, April 7 : The Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested two persons for their involvement in an online illicit liquor delivery racket operating through logistics platforms in West Delhi. The operation was carried out by a team from Paschim Vihar East police station.

According to officials, a total of 800 quarters of illicit liquor were seized along with a three-wheeler tempo used for transportation. The accused have been identified as Sameer Paliwal (19), a resident of Prem Nagar, Delhi, and Pushpender (22), a resident of Bahadurgarh, Haryana.

The operation was initiated on April 5, after Head Constable Rakesh received specific Intelligence regarding the transportation of illicit liquor from Haryana to Delhi using online delivery services near Peeragarhi Chowk. The information was promptly verified and found to be credible.

A dedicated team comprising HC Manjeet, HC Rakesh, and Constable Ankit was formed under the leadership of Inspector Rajpal, SHO of Paschim Vihar East, and under the close supervision of ACP Rajbir Singh Lamba.

Acting swiftly, the team laid a trap at Peeragarhi Chowk. During surveillance, a suspicious three-wheeler tempo was spotted. On noticing the police presence, the driver attempted to flee by accelerating the vehicle. However, the alert police personnel intercepted the tempo and apprehended the driver, identified as Pushpender.

Upon inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with 16 cartons containing 800 quarters of illicit liquor labeled â??For Sale in Haryana Only.â?? A case under FIR No. 91/2026 was registered at Paschim Vihar East police station under relevant sections of the Delhi Excise Act.

During sustained interrogation, it was revealed that the consignment had been booked online by Sameer Paliwal for delivery to local bootleggers in Delhi. Acting on this lead, the police team apprehended Sameer from a nearby area.

Further investigation disclosed that the accused had been involved in this illegal operation for the past two months. They allegedly misused online logistics services to procure liquor from L-1 licenced vendors in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, and supply it to bootleggers in Delhi.

Police confirmed that both the driver of the delivery vehicle and the individual who booked the consignment have been arrested. The three-wheeler used in the crime has also been seized.

The recovered items include 800 quarters of illicit liquor and one transport vehicle. Further investigation in the case is currently underway.

/IANS