Booze flows freely for votes

Original Report

ADHOWAL (LUDHIANA): Liquor and elections go hand in hand everywhere. It seems poll days are the heydays for the manufacturers of illicit country-made liquor as political bosses go to any extent to woo the vote-bank.
Despite the election commission’s restrictions on the distribution of liquor during campaigning, the manufacturing of illicit liquor is being carried out with impunity on the banks of Satluj. Indeed, the business has doubled due to increased demand by political parties.
According to information, political parties are approaching liquor manufacturers for distributing the same amongst the voters in rural areas.
Despite the risk involved, many families living on the banks of Satluj are into the business of manufacturing illicit alcohol and earning their livelihood through it.
The liquor is made in special ‘bhattis’ which are safely placed in the fields on the banks of the river. Information reveals the booze usually cost about Rs 50 per litre, but the rate of this is negotiable depending upon the demand of the customers.
Better known as ‘Desi’ or ‘Rudi Marka’, the liquor is quite popular amongst the rural population and is derived by heating a mixture of jaggery, seera and water for hours together.
However, in order to meet the increasing demand of political parties, urea is being frequently used to make this liquor, even though it is harmful for human consumption. Sources said urea helped in the quicker fermentation of jaggery.
While talking to TOI, Raman (name changed), who is into the illicit liquor business from the last one decade, said, “Due to the elections, our business has increased up to 100%. The sales have doubled these days.”
Raman revealed that owing to strict police vigilance, political parties were transporting the liquor on their own.
Informing that political bosses had asked them to continue with the business and not worry about raids, another manufacturer, said, “Leaders impress the rural population by distributing liquor free of cost to win their votes.”
Meanwhile, Sanjeev Kalra, IG, Jalandhar range, said, “We keep strict vigil to prevent such activities during the election days.” Feigning ignorance over the increase in illicit liquor business, he said, “We are trying to curb it.”

Credibility:     

0