India, Oct. 31 -- The Maharashtra Excise Department on Friday busted an alleged counterfeit liquor racket operating in Pune and neighbouring Ahilyanagar districts, and seized liquor stock worth Rs.11.55 lakh. Three people were also arrested in connection with the case.

The action comes just days ahead of the festive Diwali season.

It was carried out following a tip-off that counterfeit foreign liquor was being stored at Bangarwadi in Belhe village of Junnar taluka for illegal sale.

A team from the State Excise Department Pune division raided the premises and seized 96 bottles of Royal Stag whisky, allegedly bearing fake caps and labels, along with 5,040 bottles of GM Santra country liquor. The stock recovered from the location was valu...