Patna: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) seized 62 bottles of foreign liquor from the pantry car of the Saptkranti Express during a raid at Narkatiaganj railway station in West Champaran district, Bihar. The pantry car manager was arrested on the spot.
The train, which operates between Anand Vihar in Delhi and Bihar, was searched after RPF officials acted on specific intelligence inputs regarding liquor smuggling through long-distance trains.
Tip-Off Leads to Targeted Raid
According to railway officials, inputs had been received for some time about liquor consignments being transported into Bihar via trains despite the state’s prohibition law.
Based on the information, RPF personnel formed a special team and conducted a search operation as soon as the Saptkranti Express (Train No. 12558) arrived at Narkatiaganj station.
Liquor Found in Pantry Car
During the inspection, officials recovered 62 bottles of premium foreign liquor concealed inside the pantry car kitchen. Officials said the discovery was unexpected as the contraband was not found in passenger luggage but within railway staff-controlled space.
Pantry Manager Detained
The pantry car manager, who was on duty at the time, was detained during the operation. Preliminary questioning suggested that the liquor was allegedly loaded in Delhi and intended for distribution at different locations in Bihar at higher prices.
Railway officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether more staff members or an organised network is involved in the smuggling operation.
Investigation Transferred to GRP
Following the seizure, the arrested pantry manager and confiscated liquor were handed over to the Government Railway Police (GRP) for further legal proceedings.
Authorities are now examining the supply chain and possible links within railway catering services that may have facilitated the transport of illegal liquor despite strict prohibition in Bihar.
