Women stage protest against illicit liquor sale

A group of women led by Kadur Taluk Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President Siddhappa staged a protest in front of the Excise office on Thursday, demanding the authorities to take action against the illegal liquor sales in Banur, Gubbihalli, Thandya, Brahmasandra and Lingadahalli villages in Sakharayanapatna hobli of Kadur taluk.

The Vedike members and the women folk expressed their anguish over the illegal sale of liquor and demanded the officers to take action. Siddhappa said that hundreds of poor families in these villages who are either daily wage labourers or are earning their livelihood by small scale farming, are affected due to liquor sale.

“The men of the houses spend their earning on liquor at the end of the day. With their hard earned money going to liquor shops, the women find it difficult to look after their children. The authorities should take action against the culprits within a week, failing which a severe protest will be staged,” the protesters warned.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike District Vice-president Shailashree said that the condition has turned so worse that the women and girls find it difficult to walk on the road in the evenings.

“The girls in these villages have become the victims to the drunkards who eve-tease and make fun of girls walking on the road. The drunkards have spoilt the atmosphere that was prevailing in the hobli,” she said.

She accused the illegal liquor sellers of cheating the poor people by fixing high prices for the drinks than the normal market rate.

Addressing the protesters, Taluk Excise officer Dinkar promised action against the illegal liquor sellers within a week.