DSS demands CoD probe into hooch tragedy

Addressing the protesters, Billur Gram Panchayat member B V Venkataravana alleged supply of great quantities of hooch during the Gram Panchayat polls and accused of all political parties having played part in it. He also blamed the laxity on the part of election authorities for the tragedy.

The district returning officer, police personnel and Excise department shoulder great responsibility during election time. However, the government has got rid of the incident by suspending officials.

He demanded that the inquiry into the incident should be entrusted to CoD. He also sought disqualification of candidates who supplied hooch, and control unbridled sale of illicit liqour and hooch in the district.

Political parties blamed
A similar protest was staged in Shidlaghatta also. DSS district convener Rajakant accused all political parties of being responsible for the death of poor people with the sole purpose of electoral victory. He held the district administration, district returning officer, police, excise and revenue departments responsible for the tragedy. The government should not wash its hand off by suspending officials, he noted.

Rajakant said despite the deaths, hooch was being sold in the district with impunity and more people would fall prey if the administration fails to take suitable measures.
He demanded disqualification of candidates who supplied hooch and cancellation of bars selling illicit liquor in the district.