VARANASI, Nov. 5 -- Chandauli Kotwali police raided a defunct eatery in Ward 5 on Tuesday, busting an inter-state liquor smuggling gang and arresting 33 individuals, including 18 women. Investigators reported that smugglers were using handbags and clothing to conceal illicit liquor, prompting surprise at the "clever" concealment methods. Authorities recovered 520.7 litres of illicit liquor, comprising 2,234 bottles, Tetra Paks and pouches, along with Rs.37,690 in cash and several vehicles, including a tempo, two motorcycles and a moped. The breakthrough followed a routine check at Sakaldiha crossroads, where police signaled a motorcycle to stop. While the rider fled, the passenger, Sumant Kumar from Vaishali, Bihar, was arrested with a backpack containing liquor. Under interrogation, he revealed that a large consignment was being stored at the defunct "Chandauli Restaurant" in Ward 5. Officers raided the premises, entering through a door beneath a staircase to find 33 individuals packing bottles in the dim light. Investigation revealed that the restaurant functioned as a distribution hub where liquor was repackaged before being dispatched to Bihar via trains, buses and private vehicles.htc...