District Collector S. Suresh Kumar has directed the officials to act tough on the organisers of belt shops to ensure peaceful conduct of MPTC, ZPTC and general elections.
The Excise Department officials seized 263 belt shops and arrested 250 people in the district after the Election Code of Conduct came into force. Liquor sales have come down by 15 per cent during March this year compared to the same period in 2013 in the district, said Mr. Suresh Kumar, who is also the District Election Officer.
District Excise Nodal Officer Y. Adinarayana Murthy said in view of ZPTC and MPTC elections, all the wine shops and bar and restaurants should be closed up to April 7.
RaidsAction would be taken as per Election Code of Conduct, if any shop is opened and involve in sale or supply of liquor. The Excise police conducted several raids in the last one month, booked 79 cases and seized liquor worth some lakhs of rupees. The raids will continue, said Mr. Murthy.
“Instructions have been given to the liquor shop owners to observe dry days on April 5 and 6. We request people to cooperate for peaceful conduct of polls. Public can alert the officials on illegal sale of liquor by dialling Excise Superintendent Contol Room No.0863-2233576,” said the nodal officer, who is also the Excise Superintendent.
