After the huge controversy that erupted on the rampant flaying of the prohibition rules and the death of people due to consumption of chemical-laced liquor in Gujarat, village sarpanches have now come forward to help the police for proper implementation of the policy. Sarpanches in several villages of the state have issued public notices and posters, prohibiting people from selling or drinking alcohol and have instructed to take legal action against those breaking the law.
Sarpanchs of villages like Maholel of Nadiad taluka of Kheda district, Bilodara, Manghroli, Palaiya, Jawol, Nana Vaga, Andhaj, Arjanpur Kot, Veena, Salani of Mahudha taluka, have published a public notice to the effect that selling, consuming and drinking alcohol or intoxicating substances are absolutely prohibited and there would be consequences if anyone is found not obeying the instructions.
Kheda District Development Officer Mehulkumar Dave told Vibes of India, “I have been in Kheda district for a year. Sarpanchs here are aware and always take responsibility diligently, be it cleanliness missions or social awareness issues. They have now stepped forward to help the administration take stricter action on the liquor ban issue. It will improve the society and create a better future for the next generation.”
As many as 45 people died last week due to drinking chemical-laced liquor in the Barwala-Botad area of Gujarat. In this incident, apart from the deceased, 97 other people were shifted to the hospital for treatment. After the Botad tragedy, the hollowness of prohibition policy was exposed to all as to how the sale of alcohol has spread even in the state villages and what kind of consequences people are suffering.
The Home Department has already taken strict action in this case. A team of high-ranking police officers filed a case against the accused and arrested them. Six police officers have also been suspended so that the responsible accused are punished and the erring officers are given a lesson.
One doesn’t know what would be police action in the villages of Gujarat for implementing prohibition. Still, the peoples’ representatives in the villages, the sarpanches have already initiated a campaign to eliminate the liquor in their villages.
They have taken it upon themselves to warn the people about the ills of the sale or consumption of liquor in the village. Not to do and if anyone sells or consumes then legal action will be taken against him.
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