Following continuous raids by the Enforcement Wing of the Excise Department and the police, the makers of illicitly distilled liquor (IDL) have moved their base to the banks of Krishna River. This, say officials, is because the bootleggers can escape from the spot by boats since the river flows through Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), making it difficult for the enforcement agencies to catch them once they cross.
Following a tip-off that some persons were making the illicit liquor near Nayukuni Tanda of Peddavoora mandal, a combined team of personnel from the Enforcement wing, police and Excise Department on Wednesday reached downstream the Nagarjunasagar. However, by the time they got there, the bootleggers had already crossed Krishna River with the help of putti boats.
This time though, the enforcement team also crossed the river with the help of local fishermen.
“The bootleggers did not expect this, and fled the scene leaving IDL and other material behind,” K. Yedukondalu told The Hindu . The team seized 3,000 litres of fermented jaggery wash, 100 litres of IDL, 15 drums and other utensils.
Haliya Inspector C. Parthasarathi said this proves that the bootleggers have indeed shifted their base to remote locations. He said that they would put an end to this menace. Excise officials said that they would continue to conduct such raids.
ID liquor manufacturers move base to the Krishna banks even as Excise, police officials step up raids
