Bihar police seizes horse for transporting liquor

A horse has been detained at Nautan police station in Bihar’s West Champaran district, after it was caught transporting around 50 litres of smuggled liquor on May 27. With the suspected smuggler still at large, the police are now responsible for the animal’s daily care.


The horse was seized during a raid conducted by Nautan police and was being used by a local smuggler, identified as Akash Yadav, to ferry liquor—an offense under Bihar’s strict prohibition laws. While a search is underway to apprehend Yadav, officers now have an added burden of looking after the animal.


Rajesh Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO) of Nautan police station, said the horse is currently being kept on station grounds. “We are feeding it green grass, chickpeas, and jaggery at the station’s expense. Until we find someone suitable to take care of it, the responsibility lies with us,” he explained.

According to the SHO, “the smugglers have changed their mode of transportation from bikes to horses”.

Police have appealed to higher authorities to help identify an experienced animal lover who can temporarily adopt and care for the horse. Once such a person is found, the horse will be handed over through an official process.



“The person taking custody will be required to sign an affidavit committing to the proper care of the animal,” the SHO said. “Furthermore, the court will be informed of the handover, and the custodian must be prepared to present the horse in court when necessary throughout the proceedings.”

Upon the conclusion of the legal case, the state government intends to auction the horse. The individual who cared for the animal during the trial will be given the first opportunity to purchase it. Should they decline, the horse will then be offered for public sale.

This case highlights the complex and sometimes unusual challenges faced by law enforcement under the state’s prohibition regime.

( With inputs from TOI)