After the horrific Malwani hooch tragedy, the city police have taken a two-pronged approach to curb the consumption of spurious alcohol
After the horrific Malwani hooch tragedy, the city police have taken a two-pronged approach to curb the consumption of spurious alcohol.
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During an awareness drive in Kandivli, officials from the Samta Nagar police station show residents photos of known offenders in a bid to get information
The police have begun circulating messages on WhatsApp and social networking sites and putting up billboards to raise awareness and inform people that the consumption of hooch can be lethal. “We have already begun awareness drives and have started conducting public meetings.
We are distributing more than 10,000 pamphlets and have taken help from the Vyapari Sangh to ensure that people provide relevant information about illicit liquor makers. Sign boards, hoardings and cut-outs will be put up in prominent places with our mobile numbers for people to contact us in emergencies or to give information,” said a senior police inspector.
Crackdown
The second prong involves cutting off the supply at the source. Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria has issued orders to all senior police inspectors to carry out combing operations in their jurisdictions and take strict action against people found selling and making illicit liquor.
“We are keeping tabs on known offenders. We have strict orders from our superiors that if anyone is found selling illicit liquor, beat officers and beat marshals will be held responsible and strict action will be taken against them as well. Our operation will continue, but we need better co-ordination with the Excise department too,” the officer said.