Illegal liquor racket busted after protest

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Outraged by rampant illegal liquor sales, women and young girls from Ranjangaon-Kamalapur staged a protest, prompting police to raid and demolish 13 illicit liquor stalls and hotels in Mukundwadi and Waluj MIDC on Tuesday night.

Two days ago, an illegal liquor business was operating under the guise of a hotel along the Ranjangaon-Kamalapur road, causing significant trouble for hundreds of residents. However, MIDC Waluj police had turned a blind eye to the issue. The protest forced authorities to take action, reigniting concerns over unchecked open drinking across the city. Under the directives of CP Pravin Pawar, five teams led by PI Sandeep Gurme executed simultaneous raids in Waluj, MIDC Waluj and Mukundwadi. During the operation, crime branch officers caught several revelers red-handed, making them do sit-ups on the spot as punishment, causing widespread embarrassment.

Public drinking has long been a menace in several parts of the city. Major hotspots include TV Center, the area in front of Jaiswal Hall, Rajiv Gandhi Market, Cidco Bus Stand, and Divisional Sports Complex. Other trouble zones like Godavari Tea Point on Beed Bypass, Shivajinagar, and areas under the Mondha Naka flyover see frequent gatherings of alcohol consumers who openly drink and urinate in public, making it unsafe for women and young girls. Following the successful crackdown, residents are now demanding similar police action in these areas to ensure public safety and curb the growing menace of illegal liquor consumption.

(Photo: Illegal liquor stalls demolished, offenders made to do sit-ups)