Security at Puliyarai check-post on Tirunelveli – Kerala border was tightened on October 22 following information that rectified spirit was being smuggled to the neighbouring State in mini lorries, usually used to transport vegetables. When the police team intercepted a mini lorry with vegetables, it was found that rectified spirit in 102 plastic containers, each having a capacity of 35 litres, were being transported.

During interrogation, driver D. Rathish Kumar of Punalur and cleaner M. Manoj Kumar (26) of Kollam reportedly told the police that they were taking the rectified spirit from a farm at Kazhuneerkulam near Alangulam to Kerala. On conducting surprise check in the farm, the police found the banned commodity kept in 175 plastic cans, which were also seized. The police arrested S. Siva Prasad (21), S. Dinesh Kumar (25), S. Saji (25), S. Sathish (34), M. Sathish Kumar (22), all from Kerala.

Later the police nabbed R. Poolidurai (40) of Ullaar near Vasudevanallur, who was said to have played a pivotal role in the smuggling and stocking of the rectified spirit. Based on the recommendations of Superintendent of Police Asra Garg, District Collector M. Jayaraman ordered the arrest under the Goondas Act.