On Wednesday, a public holiday, a private godown behind Chennai airport, along Manapakkam Main Road in Kolapakkam, was a much sought-after place
In batches, men — young and old — trooped in and out of the godown clutching liquor bottles on their way out. A couple of local party workers kept guard outside.
This continued unchecked throughout the day in complete violation of the ban on sale of liquor on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi. The men keeping watch warned customers against parking their vehicles in a cluster, and thus raising suspicions.
Inside the godown, sale continued unabated and alcohol was sold at double the usual rate — 180 ml bottles went for Rs. 150 each.
Surprisingly, despite the stretch being an important bus route road, there was no sign of police patrolling there on Wednesday.
The road connects Manapakkam on Mount–Poonamallee Road and Kodambakkam–Sriperumbudur Road (Arcot Road).
Residents of Kolapakkam, especially parents escorting their children to various Gandhi Jayanthi functions, were aghast at the brazen violation. A school head wondered how the illegal sale continued unchecked throughout the day. A member of a self-help group said people from far and wide came to Kolapakkam to buy liquor after news of the illegal sale spread.
Another resident said it had become common practice among miscreants to store liquor bottles in discreet locations ahead of ‘dry days’ and make a killing on the day of the ban.
When contacted in the evening, the Mangadu police said they were not aware of the liquor sale. They promised to visit the spot immediately and put an end to the illegal activity.
