Excise Minister M.P. Renukacharya extended his department's fight against hooch manufacturing to Pavagada taluk in Tumkur on Saturday. Mr. Renukacharya and excise and police officials raided lambani thandas of D. Nagenahalli and destroyed around 300 litres of wash and other materials. Those who were preparing the hooch managed to escape.
Mr. Renukacharya spoke to the village people and advised them to stop the illegal activity. But Lakshman Naik, a resident of the village, said their only means of livelihood was to sell hooch. The Minister reiterated that he was determined to free the State from spurious liquor in two years and told the residents to utilise the facilities provided by the D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation for their livelihood.
He said strict action would be taken against bar owners and workers who violate Excise Department rules.
