Published by Aloto Naga | July 16, 2025
A dramatic early-morning checkpoint inspection at Watiyongpang check gate in Nagaland’s Mokokchung district led to the arrest of a man pretending to be a police officer while transporting illegal liquor in a marked vehicle.
According to an official press release from the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Mokokchung, the suspect was intercepted at 12:30 a.m. on July 15 in a white Indica car (AS 03 H 9220) with the word “POLICE” visibly displayed on its windshield.
Upon inspection, police uncovered a sizeable stock of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), in violation of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
📦 Items Seized:
- 2 cases of MC Rum (750 ml)
- 12 cases of MC Rum (180 ml)
- 1 case of AC Black Whisky (180 ml)
- 4 cases of Kingfisher Beer
The accused was identified as Dipankar Gogoi, son of Surya Gogoi, a resident of Hati Muria Gaong village in Assam’s Sivasagar district. He is employed as a driver with the Assam Fire Emergency Service, Panbazar unit, and was wearing a police uniform at the time of arrest.
Authorities confirmed that he falsely claimed to be an Assam Police Inspector, an offence under multiple legal provisions including impersonation of a public servant.
⚖️ Legal Action & Investigation
The Mokokchung police have registered a case against Gogoi under the BNS/Motor Vehicles Act and the NLTP Act. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether this incident is linked to a broader smuggling operation.
Officials have stated that this case sets a strong precedent against impersonation and illegal liquor transportation in Nagaland, a state with strict prohibition laws.
🔍 Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Date & Time | July 15, 2025; approximately 12:30 a.m. |
| Location | Watiyongpang check gate, Mokokchung district |
| Vehicle | White Indica (AS 03 H 9220) with “POLICE” marking |
| Person Arrested | Dipankar Gogoi, Assam Fire Emergency Service driver |
| Impersonation | Wore Assam Police uniform, claimed to be an Inspector |
| Seized Items | Multiple cases of illegal IMFL and Kingfisher Beer |
| Legal Action | Cases registered under BNS/MV Act & NLTP Act |
Expert Commentary
Impersonating law enforcement is a serious offence that undermines public trust and can facilitate other criminal activities. Combining this with the illegal conveyance of liquor—specifically in Nagaland, where total prohibition is in place—heightens both the legal and social implications of this case.
Authorities would likely view this as both a challenge to law and order and a violation of state liquor regulations. Ongoing legal proceedings will reveal further details, including potential penalties and whether this incident is connected with larger illicit network.
