Jaisalmer: A suspected liquor smuggler was killed and another arrested after a 20-km police chase ended with their car crashing into a tree in Rajasthan’s Balotra district Monday, police said. The incident occurred on the Amliyala-Bhaidana road under Gudamalani police station limits during a joint operation by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and local police. Police recovered 25 sacks containing 100 quarter bottles each and 12 cartons containing 48 quarter bottles each of “All Seasons” liquor from the vehicle.Police identified the occupants as Punesh (22) and Praveen (20), both residents of Rawali Nadi. Punesh suffered critical injuries and later died at Sanchore Hospital, while Praveen was arrested.According to police, the ANTF received information that a car carrying illegal liquor crossed the Watera toll plaza. Acting on the tip-off, the team began tracking the vehicle. During the chase, the driver lost control and crashed into a tree, scattering liquor bottles across the road.Gudamalani SHO Surendra Kumar said police also recovered a Gujarat registration plate from inside the car while it was displaying a Keralam registration plate, indicating that the smugglers allegedly used interchangeable number plates to evade detection.Balotra Superintendent of Police Ramesh Kumar said there was no police firing during the operation and clarified that the fatality resulted solely from the vehicle crashing into the tree. “A team will examine the scene, while investigators are also verifying the criminal background of the deceased,” he said.The vehicle and the liquor were seized, and a case was registered under the Excise Act and other relevant provisions.
