2 days ago
Women villagers on outskirts of Bengaluru seek police help over liquor shop menace
Villagers of Rajaghatta, especially women, raised concerns over what they called rampant sale of liquor, and claimed that it is destroying families by pushing their husbands into addiction and joblessness. They sought police help to contain the menace.
The issue was brought up during the SC/ST grievance meet organised by the Bengaluru district police along with 'Mane Manege Police' (door-to-door police service) on Sunday.
Lakshmamma, one of the villagers, who spoke on behalf of other women in the locality, told Superintendent of Police C.K. Baba that the liquor shops in the area open at 6 a.m., and operate till midnight or beyond . 'This is posing a threat to the families, as the men get drunk early in the morning and do not go to work. Most of the families face a difficult situation due to the alcohol menace and it is pushing them into penury. Even grocery and vegetable shops have started stocking up liquor, making them accessible round the clock,' she said.
Mr. Baba summoned the excise department officials to ensure that the liquor shops should adhere to the time specified in the licensing condition. The department and the jurisdictional police have also been asked to conduct regular checks on the illegal sale of liquor at the shops.
Meanwhile, a few students present at the meeting complained of being humiliated at schools as they were ridiculed by their friends and classmates for their caste. 'We were mocked and called casteist names. The teachers and village elders are not doing anything despite being aware of this situation,' a student told senior police officers.
Taking strong objection, Mr. Baba asked the Panchayat Development officer, and officials of the education department present at the meeting to take immediate action and ensure such practices are not repeated.
The police later visited Dalit colonies and pasted stickers containing the names and numbers of police officers to be contacted in any eventuality with the intention of instilling confidence among the general public that the police are at their service. Mr. Baba, along with other officials also had lunch with the villagers.
The villagers were urged to help the police force in fighting crime and maintaining law and order.
