Bengaluru, March 17: Concerns over the rampant illegal sale of liquor in Karnataka, particularly in grocery shops, were raised in the Assembly by Raichur Rural MLA Basanagouda Daddal. This revelation has prompted the state government to consider implementing stricter legal measures.
Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapur acknowledged the issue, confirming that unauthorized liquor production and sales have come to the government’s attention. He stated that the government is actively reviewing amendments to the Karnataka Excise Act of 1965 and is contemplating bringing illegal liquor trade under the stringent provisions of the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.
Daddal highlighted that in Raichur district, illegal liquor is being sold openly in unauthorized locations, including kirana (grocery) shops, with minimal deterrence under current laws. He urged the government to establish special enforcement teams in Raichur and Yadgir districts to combat this growing issue.
In response, Minister Thimmapur noted that the Excise Department is conducting continuous patrols on jurisdictional routes and performing regular checks on highways to intercept suspicious vehicles. District-level committees, chaired by Deputy Commissioners, are also holding review meetings to enhance enforcement efforts.
Officials are actively filing cases under Section 50 of the Karnataka Excise Act against offenders. However, the minister conceded that the existing law may be outdated in addressing the evolving patterns of illegal liquor trade.
Thimmapur further revealed that cases have been registered against individuals involved in the production of spurious liquor using harmful substances like chloral hydrate powder. Additionally, illegal liquor is reportedly being smuggled into Karnataka from neighboring Andhra Pradesh and Telangana via road and rail routes.
The government is poised to adopt a tougher stance, with discussions underway to introduce stricter legal provisions aimed at dismantling the illegal liquor network operating across districts.
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