Bengaluru, March 17 – During the Question and Answer session in the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday, the issue of illegal liquor sales, particularly in the border areas of the Raichur district, was raised. Several state MLAs urged the Congress-led state government to take strict action and introduce stronger legislation to curb the problem.
Basanagouda Daddal, a Congress MLA representing the Raichur Rural Assembly constituency, stated that illegal liquor trade is thriving in the border areas of Karnataka and Telangana, involving thousands of people.
"I raised the issue of illegal liquor sales in Raichur. The state government is aware that some people are involved in this business. My constituency is on the Karnataka-Telangana border, and thousands of people are involved in this trade," Daddal added.
He alleged that liquor mixtures are brought from Telangana, and country liquor is prepared in Karnataka.
Despite the authorities being aware of the activity, no stringent punishment or expulsion of those involved has been carried out, Daddal said.
According to official data, 13,550 litres of liquor have been seized, 183 cases have been registered, and another 102 cases have been filed.
However, Daddal stated that the illegal liquor trade continues to flourish.
"The state government knows who is involved in this business. They should immediately take action against them. Young people are dying due to accidents, and there are reports of murders. If the State Excise Minister fails to introduce new legislation to address this issue, there will be chaos," he warned.
He also expressed concern that many young people are becoming victims of alcohol and drug addiction due to the easy availability of illicit liquor.
Karemma Nayak, a JD-S MLA, said that the illegal sale of liquor is prevalent across the state and has become a serious problem in the Devadurga taluk of Raichur district.
"Young people are becoming victims of this problem, and strict action is needed to prevent it," she urged.
Another JD-S MLA, Sharanagouda Kandakur, alleged that in some border areas, even officials from the Excise Department are allegedly facilitating the supply of liquor to rural areas.
"There is a large migrant population in these areas, and farmers are also being affected. I request the Excise Minister to stop this," he said.
Former Karnataka Home Minister and BJP MLA Araga Jnanendra said that a new law is needed to punish those involved in illegal liquor trade.
"Women are calling us at midnight, complaining that their husbands are being misled due to the easy availability of liquor. It is being openly sold in houses in rural areas, and the police are not taking action," he alleged.
Responding to these concerns, State Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapura said that illegal liquor sales are mainly carried out through two methods.
"Some purchase liquor legally from CL-6 outlets and Mysuru Sales International Limited (MSIL), the state government-owned stores, and sell it illegally outside, while others procure liquor from military canteens and sell it in the open market," he added.
"In Raichur district alone, 183 cases have been registered in the last three years, and 13,557 litres of country liquor have been seized," he added.
The Minister said another major concern is the use of CH-4 powder to manufacture spurious liquor.
"The CH-4 powder used to prepare liquor is extremely dangerous and not fit for human consumption. Just one kilogram of this powder can be used to prepare a full drum of country liquor. It comes in small packets and is being brought from neighbouring states where it is authorised," he added.
He said that one person has already been expelled, and the department has recommended the expulsion of nine others involved in the illegal trade.
Thimmapura said that the state government is considering recommending to the Centre that CH-4 powder be classified as a drug under the NDPS Act, as it is currently not covered under the law.
"If it is not included under the NDPS Act, the state government will bring new legislation to deal with it and take strict action," he added.
Intervening again, MLA Daddal demanded that CH-4 powder be treated as a drug and a special task force be formed to tackle the issue.
"Local officers are unable to control the menace. Even small ration shops are selling liquor, and authorities say they have targets to meet. Why is the state government not opening MSIL shops in border areas?" he asked.
He also claimed that deaths due to consumption of spurious liquor have increased in border villages, and that the number of widows in these areas is rising.
Responding to the spurious liquor deaths, Minister Thimmapura said that for nearly 60 to 65 years, no major amendment has been made to strengthen laws governing illegal liquor trade.
"The existing punishment is not harsh. We are working to bring a stricter law and also plan to form a new team to tackle the menace effectively," he added.