Rayagada: Tension gripped Sadar block in Rayagada district after hundreds of women armed with lathis and sticks stormed a country liquor shop and ransacked it near Lada station Tuesday.
The women smashed a large number of liquor bottles and liquor flowed down the streets.
Sources said a liquor shop operating in the area was creating problems. Most of the men were spending a large part of their earnings on liquor and were neglecting their families. The frequent visits of drunkards had also increased crime in the area.
The women had repeatedly sought the intervention of the district administration to close down the liquor shop. As the administration was ignoring their demand the women took out a rally and ransacked the liquor joint.
“Children are skipping school and consuming alcohol. We work the whole day to buy rations for our families while the men waste money on liquor. What will we eat,” asked Kumutadi Bidika, a local woman.
Another protester said the women had earlier met the Collector and senior police officers regarding their demands.
“We had met the Collector and senior police officials with our demands two months ago. But as no action was taken we were forced to act,” the protesters said.
Rayagada excise superintendent Dandapani Behera said, “The women had lodged complaints. As the liquor unit’s licence was set to expire March-end a senior officer was sent there and the local sarpanch was also asked to submit a report regarding objections. Once we get the report action will be taken.”
PNN