he dramatic operation unfolded in Rasoolpur village, under the jurisdiction of Saran district, when patrolling officers noticed a riderless horse entering the area carrying suspicious loads. Upon inspection, police discovered 80 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) concealed in saddlebags strapped to the animal.
“In almost a decade of enforcing prohibition, this is the first time we have encountered a horse being used as a courier for smuggled liquor,” said Saran Superintendent of Police Gaurav Mangla in a statement to the press. “Our officers acted swiftly to seize both the horse and its illicit cargo.”
The value of the seized liquor is estimated to be around ₹30,000. The horse, now in police custody, is being kept at a local police outpost while authorities search for those responsible.
Unconventional Smuggling Tactics on the Rise
Bihar has enforced a near-total liquor ban since April 2016 under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, criminalizing the sale, purchase, and consumption of alcohol. Yet smuggling operations have continued to adapt, with racketeers frequently employing creative methods to evade detection.
According to local law enforcement, previous instances have involved drone deliveries, hidden compartments in vehicles, and even milk containers to transport prohibited substances. The use of a horse, however, marks a new level of ingenuity.
“Smugglers will try anything to bypass law enforcement — from hiding alcohol in household items to exploiting natural landscapes,” noted prohibition activist Rakesh Kumar Singh of Patna-based NGO Nasha Mukti Chetna. “This incident shows the need for constant innovation in police tactics as well.”
Ongoing Search for the Smuggling Ringleaders
Initial investigations suggest that the smugglers released the horse deliberately at a predetermined location, possibly with the expectation that it would reach their contacts unhindered. Residents reportedly saw individuals fleeing the area on foot shortly before police arrived.
“We are following up on leads to locate and arrest the owner of the horse and other members of the smuggling ring,” Superintendent Mangla told reporters, urging community cooperation in the ongoing inquiry.
Law enforcement is also working with animal welfare groups to ensure the well-being of the seized horse, pending a court order on its future.
Prohibition Continues to Challenge Police and Policy
Bihar’s prohibition law, one of the strictest in India, remains a contentious political and social issue. While advocates argue it helps curb domestic violence and alcohol abuse, critics point to persistent black market activity and thousands of arrests over the years — often targeting lower-income individuals.
According to state data, more than 1,000 cases of illegal liquor trade are registered monthly, despite intensified police efforts and awareness campaigns.
Quoting a government official who wished to remain anonymous: “Enforcement is a constant cat-and-mouse game. Smuggling methods keep evolving, and every success by police is met with a new trick by bootleggers.”
Public Reactions and Policy Debate
The news of a horse being used to smuggle alcohol has sparked a wave of reactions on social media in Bihar and beyond, with many residents expressing disbelief, amusement, or concern about the state’s ongoing prohibition challenges.
Advocacy groups have reiterated calls for greater investment in rehabilitation and education programs, arguing that enforcement alone cannot resolve the underlying demand for alcohol.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding prohibition, describing incidents like this as evidence of both the need for the law and the resourcefulness of those working against it.
