Serious allegations have surfaced over the illegal liquor trade in Hailakandi district. Locals have alleged that illegal liquor business is being carried out openly in Dholai 6 No. Block, Dholai Bagan Gram Panchayat area and Ekadash Malichara area under Katlicherra Police Station. What is even more worrying is that liquor bottles are allegedly being sold to minors, ignoring the age limit fixed by the government. Local residents claim that this has led to growing unrest in many families in the area.
According to locals, a section of young boys has become addicted to alcohol. This is also affecting family life. Residents claim that alcohol consumption by minors is creating discord in various families.
Despite multiple complaints demanding closure of this illegal liquor business, locals allege that no effective and permanent action has been taken by either the police or the excise department. They claim that after a complaint, the business remains closed for a few days, but after some time the flourishing liquor trade resumes as before.
In fact, local residents have levelled serious allegations that this illegal business is running with the connivance of a section of excise department officials. They claim that traders are carrying on this business without any hindrance through illegal financial transactions.
Meanwhile, the local women’s organization Nari Shakti N.G.O has demanded immediate strict action against the illegal liquor business. They have warned that if the police and excise department do not take swift action, they will be forced to launch a democratic agitation.
Along with this, the women of the area have sought the intervention of Hailakandi MLA Dr. Milan Das to eradicate this social evil and curb the tendency of minors to consume alcohol.