Main accused in Mehsana prohibition case brought back to Gujarat following Interpol alert
Ahmedabad: The State Monitoring Cell of Gujarat Police has successfully apprehended Taufiq Khan, the key accused in a high-profile prohibition case, after his deportation from the United Arab Emirates.
Khan was taken into custody at Kochi International Airport and brought to Gujarat for further investigation, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Taufiq Khan, part of Anil Pandya’s gang, was traced through Interpol and deported from Dubai
Authorities stated that the case, involving the violation of the Gujarat Prohibition Act and the seizure of illegal substances and unaccounted money, was initially filed in Bavlu, Mehsana. Under the supervision of IGP Nirlipt Rai and SP K T Kamariya, the State Monitoring Cell took over the probe in March 2024
Investigations revealed that Khan had fled to Dubai using an Indian passport.
Acting on this intelligence, officials issued a Look Out Circular and a Red Corner Notice via Interpol. A provisional arrest request was submitted to Dubai authorities, resulting in Khan’s deportation on March 2, 2025. A police team was dispatched to Kochi, where Khan was intercepted upon arrival and brought to Ahmedabad for interrogation.
Accused linked to notorious gangster Anil Pandya’s illegal liquor syndicate
Police confirmed that Khan is an active member of the criminal syndicate led by gangster Anil Pandya, which has been responsible for multiple prohibition violations across Gujarat. Khan played a key logistical role, organizing the smuggling and distribution of illegal liquor and other banned substances within the state.
The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in curbing illegal alcohol supply networks in Gujarat, where prohibition laws are strictly enforced.
