MANGALURU: Anti-liquor campaign across the district and in particular anti-liquor protests in Noojibalthila village in Puttur taluk received a shot in the arm with Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner ordering the closure of a liquor shop at Kallugudde near Noojibalthila village in Puttur taluk.
The students and residents had launched an indefinite protest against the opening of a liquor shop from September 11 onwards. The village had shot to limelight when tipplers buying their quota of alcohol under police protection were chased away by angry protestors.
The agitation had intensified and Excise officials were detained by protestors for not withdrawing the licence despite stiff protests by residents. A three-member delegation led by Noojibalthila Gram Panchayat President Sadananda Gowda, Puttur Taluk Panchayat Member Ganesh Kaikure and Kadaba Zilla Panchayat member PP Varghese submitted a memorandum against the liquor shop to Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, during the later’s visit to district on September 20.
Following directions, the district deputy commissioner ordered a survey of the liquor shop in Kallugudde. Based on the survey report, which revealed that the liquor shop had encroached on government land, DC directed excise officials to close the illegal liquor shop. Officials led by Excise Superintendent Muralidhar completed the formalities and sealed the shop sending the crowds of protestors in raptures on Friday.