After beef, Maharashtra government may go for complete liquor ban

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said the state is positive about implementing a liquor ban across Maharashtra. However, the final decision will be taken after taking stock of three districts — Gadchiroli, Chandrapur and Wardha — where a ban is already in place.

Fadnavis made this statement while replying to NCP MLC Sandeep Bajoria's question in the state legislative council. Bajoria said that in Yavatmal district, a police patil of Yavali village, who was against illegal liquor sale, was stoned to death. "It is an unfortunate incident... the government is enforcing the ban in Yavatmal district but people who are part of the implementing machinery are being killed by liquor mafias. It is discouraging. The government should take stern action against them," he added.

Fadnavis said, "We will impose the (liquor) ban across the state after studying the results of the same currently imposed in three districts in the state."

He also said the ban was in place in Andhra Pradesh. "But, as a ramification of this complete ban decision, smuggling of liquor has increased. Besides, the adulterated liquor business is also flourishing, which needs to be looked into," he added.

The CM said those involved in the business of adulterated medicine, liquor and milk should be given capital punishment, as it is a major issue for the government. In the recent hooch tragedy at Malvani in Malad, 104 people died after consuming adulterated local liquor.

"However, capital punishment is not in the purview of state law. But we will take up the issue with the Centre and ask it to make amendment in the law. If that happens, capital punishment will be given to those involved in such businesses," Fadnavis said.

People's Republic Party MLC Jogendra Kawade said the government should ensure that deaths due to consumption of adulterated liquor are curbed. "It is unfortunate that people are dying and the government has no mechanism to take action against hooch mafias. The local police are also part of this nexus. The government should not play with people's lives," said Kawade.

Advocate Mahendra Sandhanshiv, however, said people had voted the BJP to power for good governance and not to change their eating and drinking habits. "Farmers are committing suicides but this government, rather than helping them, is busy taking controversial decisions. Liquor sales give huge revenues to the state exchequer. First, the government snatched food (beef); now, it wants to snatch the drink. People will show them (the ruling leaders) their place in the next elections," he added.