The Mokokchung District Truck Owners’ Association (MDTOA) has strongly condemned one of its members, Mohan Ram Bhadu, after a consignment of illegal liquor was seized from a truck registered under his name on April 3, 2025 by the Mokokchung Police.
The seized vehicle, an LP truck bearing registration number NL 02 Q 6311, was Mokokchung-bound and registered under the MDTOA. Bhadu, who owns multiple trucks and two hardware stores (Anuradha Hardware in Arkong Ward and Matsung Hardware in Aolichen Ungma), has been censured by the association for his alleged complicity.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the MDTOA said it was “thoroughly aghast” at the seizure and condemned the smuggling of contraband liquor using a truck under its registration.
The association pointed out that Bhadu’s truck driver, Dev Raj, and salesman, Mahesh Siyag, were arrested by police after being caught red-handed, suggesting a “sinister nexus” operating under the guise of legitimate business.
Complaints of predatory pricing
The MDTOA further revealed that it had been receiving complaints against Bhadu even before the seizure, particularly regarding truck fares being charged outside the MDTOA’s fixed rates, and the sale of hardware items at prices drastically lower than the market rate.
It alleged that this “predatory pricing” — prohibited under Section 4(2)(a)(ii) of the Competition Act, 2002 — was part of a larger scheme. “It is obvious that this sly ploy to dominate competitors by drastically selling goods and services below market rates was instead boosted by huge illegal profits made from the transport and sale of liquor,” the MDTOA statement said.
The association said it would initiate further action against the member and reiterated its commitment to uphold the integrity of its operations.
Nonetheless, the MDTOA expressed “great appreciation” for the Mokokchung Police for their vigilance in seizing the consignment and “pursuing the matter with all seriousness.”
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The association also urged the concerned authorities to deliver a fair judgement, stressing that the integrity of Mokokchung’s market must be preserved. “A fair, transparent, and prosperous market is crucial for the future of Mokokchung district,” it stated.