Ahmedabad: Gujarat police raided a farmhouse on the outskirts of Ahmedabad and arrested 15 people, including 13 African citizens, for allegedly consuming alcohol during a party. Five more people were later arrested.

According to officials, the raid was conducted late Friday night at the farmhouse located in the Shilaj area. Among approximately 70 people present at the event, 15 individuals including 13 Africans were found intoxicated and were arrested.

Two liquor smugglers and the farmhouse owner were among five other people arrested early Saturday, bringing the total number of arrests in connection with this party to 20.

Initial investigation revealed that this alcohol party was organized under the guise of a conference for African students studying at various colleges and universities in Gujarat, despite the state’s ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol.

Officials stated that after receiving secret information about alcohol availability at the event, police personnel purchased passes and entered the venue as guests wearing regular clothes.

“Based on specific information, a police team raided a farmhouse in the Shilaj area of the city and caught 15 people, including 13 African citizens, in an intoxicated state. These African citizens are studying at various universities in the state, including Gujarat University.”

During the raid, police recovered 51 bottles of foreign-made liquor produced in India and 15 hookahs (pipes used for smoking specially made tobacco mixtures), which are banned in Gujarat.

Most of the foreign students are from Kenya, while some are from Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique.

Five other people were later arrested, including two local liquor smugglers and the farmhouse owner.

“This party was for African students and was organized by a Kenyan student. The passes for this event ranged from 700 rupees to 25,000 rupees. The alcohol party was organized at the farmhouse under the cover of a party. However, we did not find any narcotic substances during the raid.”

Those arrested have been charged under the Gujarat Prohibition Act and relevant sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) for criminal conspiracy.

Gujarat

Gujarat is a state in western India with a rich history dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. It is renowned for its significant role in India’s maritime trade and as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Culturally, it is famous for its vibrant festivals, traditional Garba dance, and unique architectural sites like the stepwells and the Somnath temple.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a historic city in western India, founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah on the banks of the Sabarmati River. It is renowned for its rich heritage of Indo-Islamic architecture and intricate stepwells, and it served as a pivotal center for India’s independence movement under Mahatma Gandhi. In recognition of its preserved historic urban fabric, the walled city of Ahmedabad was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Shilaj

Shilaj is a small town located in the municipality of Khizi in Azerbaijan. Historically, it is known for the nearby Shilaj Cave, which contains ancient petroglyphs and archaeological evidence of early human settlement. The area provides insight into the prehistoric cultures of the region.

African students

“African students” refers to a diverse group of individuals from the African continent pursuing education, often internationally. Historically, this movement gained momentum during the post-colonial era as nations sought to build skilled workforces, with many students studying in Europe, North America, and within Africa itself. Today, they represent a significant global demographic, contributing to knowledge exchange and the development of their home countries.

Gujarat University

Gujarat University, established in 1949, is one of the oldest and largest universities in the state of Gujarat, India. It was founded as a premier educational institution before the formation of the linguistic state of Gujarat, playing a pivotal role in the region’s higher education system. The university is renowned for its diverse academic programs and has a sprawling campus in the city of Ahmedabad.

Kenya

Kenya is an East African nation renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including savannahs, lakelands, and the Great Rift Valley. It is globally famous as the cradle of humanity, with some of the oldest paleontological archaeological sites in the world, and for its iconic wildlife reserves like the Maasai Mara. Culturally, it is a diverse nation of over 40 ethnic groups, with a modern history marked by its struggle for and achievement of independence from British colonial rule in 1963.

Comoros

The Comoros is a volcanic archipelago nation off the east coast of Africa, historically known as the “Perfume Islands” for its production of ylang-ylang and spices. Its history is marked by a blend of African, Arab, and French influences, having been a key hub in the Indian Ocean trade and later a French colony before gaining independence in 1975. The country is renowned for its diverse culture and is one of the world’s leading producers of vanilla.

Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, renowned for its unique wildlife, including lemurs and baobab trees, which evolved in isolation for millions of years. It was first settled by Austronesian peoples from Borneo around 350 BCE, later joined by migrants from East Africa, creating a distinct Malagasy culture. The island was home to various kingdoms before becoming a French colony in 1897, eventually gaining full independence in 1960.