IDUKKI: To curb the flow of narcotics and illicit liquor during Onam season, District Collector Ajit Patil has issued directives to officials concerned to intensify screening at all the checkposts in the district.
Officials of the respective check posts will be held responsible in cases of smugglers getting caught after they jumped checkposts, the Collector said.The District Collector has directed officials with various departments, including Forest, Excise and Sales Tax, to remain vigilant to apprehend the smugglers who manage to escape checkposts.
Taluk-level squads have been formed to fight smuggling of illicit liquor and narcotics in the district in connection with Onam. The squads would be led by tehsildars.
Devikulam Sub-Collector G R Gokul and Idukki sub-division RDO P V Paul would monitor the squads which would function until September 15. The Excise Circle Inspector of respective circles will manage the checkposts. One preventive officer and two excise guards will be present at the checkposts for 24 hours. The officials at the checkposts should not leave before they are relieved by officials who will be in the next shift on duty.
The officials should disclose the amount of cash with them in the cash register and should not allow anyone to loiter near the check posts. The authorities should keep close vigil at Bodimettu, Kumily, Chinnar and Cumbummettu.
The public may alert the tahsildars about any smuggling activities over phone at the following numbers: Thodupuzha: 04862 222503, Udumbanchola: 04868 232050, Peermade: 04869 232077, Devikulam: 04865 264231, Sub-Collector, Devikulam: 04865 264222, RDO Idukki: 04862 232231.