The State election authorities have sought the cooperation of Maharashtra in stemming flow of liquor in elections, a series of which are being held here at present.
The Government of Maharashtra has been urged to close liquor vends along the bordering towns during the period of polling in local bodies and general elections. The jump in liquor sales in Maharashtra at present is in direct proportion to the control being exercised over its flow locally by election authorities. Liquor from licensed outlets in bordering towns like Pippalkuti across the inter-State border at Penganga river bridge, Kinwat taluka headquarters and Mandvi town is being smuggled into the district though road and train routes.
“The move to control liquor flow will not bear fruit until the retail shops in bordering areas in Maharashtra remain closed during the two day period before polling,” opined Adilabad District Election Officer and Collector Babu A. He has already taken up the matter with Collectors of Gadhchiroli, Chandrapur, Yavatmal and Nanded. Mr. Babu A. has also ruled out issue of extra quantity of liquor to licensed shops in the district. Nearly 25 outlets have downed their shutters after exhausting their current quota which corresponds to the sales registered by individual shops on the same day last year.
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Meanwhile, investigation has been launched into the cash transactions which have taken place through ATMs during the recent municipal elections in the district. Election authorities have noticed an unusual jump in such transactions during the period in question which call for verification of the phenomenon.