RAJKOT, GUJARAT, INDIA — A birthday celebration at a hotel in Rajkot turned into a police investigation after officers raided an alleged liquor party and registered cases against 38 people under Gujarat’s prohibition laws.

The operation was conducted by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) at Saraza Hotel on Kalawad Road during the night of October 31. Police reportedly acted after receiving information about alcohol consumption at a private birthday gathering.

According to police officials, approximately 76 people, including 43 men and 33 women, were present at the event. The gathering was reportedly organised to celebrate the birthday of businessman Chirag Patel.

During the raid, officers recovered 11 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor, including both empty and partially filled bottles. Police also examined drinking glasses found on the tables. No other intoxicating substances were reportedly discovered during the initial search.

Following preliminary breathalyser tests and further medical procedures, police registered cases against 38 individuals. Those named in the case reportedly include 35 male guests and three hotel employees.

Authorities also arranged blood tests for more than 90 people to establish who had consumed alcohol. The medical findings are expected to assist investigators in determining individual involvement.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rakesh Desai said that the investigation would also examine the hotel’s licence, previous records, CCTV footage and the possible role of its management.

Gujarat has maintained strict prohibition laws since the state’s formation, restricting the manufacture, sale, storage and consumption of alcohol, subject to specific legal exemptions.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine how alcohol was brought into the hotel and whether the establishment’s staff played a role in facilitating the gathering.

The case has attracted attention because of the number of people involved and the alleged violation of alcohol prohibition regulations. Further action will depend on the findings of the investigation and medical reports.