A man, who decided to exploit to the hilt the State government’s policy to pull shutters down on bars by setting up a bar of sorts on his own, that too on a beach, has been nabbed by the police.
The police said Linin alias ‘Auto Sashi’, 52, a resident of Valiyaveli near Poundukadavu under the Thumba police station limits, converted a portion of his beachfront house into a bar barely hours after the High Court ordered closure of bars in the State on Wednesday.
A few tables and chairs were arranged outside on the beach for customers.
With Wednesday being a dry day for the beer and wine parlours as well, there was no shortage of customers for Sashi, who reportedly was offering snacks along with liquor for his clientele.
Jawahar Janardh, Assistant Commissioner, Shangumughom, said Sashi was nabbed around 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday.
He was involved in the illegal sale of liquor ever since the availability of liquor through bars and official outlets was restricted. He was also the sixth accused in the 2001 Bosco murder case, Mr. Janardh said.
Sashi, who runs a bakery near the Veli junction, was using both his shop and the premises of his house for the business.
A special squad was watching his moves following a tip-off. On Wednesday, thinking that the police would be busy with the Karikkakom Pongala festival, Sashi was on the job through the day. The squad managed to nab him after reaching the spot in mufti and posing as customers.
Around five litres of liquor, which Sashi allegedly used to buy in bulk from Beverages Corporation outlets, was seized.
The accused was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody.
Tables and chairs were arranged on the beach for customers.
