KARUR: Illegal sales of liquor in petty shops has risen in Krishnarayapuram here following the closure of a TASMAC outlet at Manjamedu after the murder of a 17-year-old girl in Pichampatti village in the taluk in June.
The TASMAC outlet, which was functioning at Manjamedu on the route to Pichampatti, was later closed by the district administration for security reasons.
Ever since the outlet was closed, those who consume liquor had to visit TASMAC shops in Mayanur or Mahadhanapuram or Kamanallur. These places are about 3 km away. However, exploiting the huge demand for alcoholic beverages, illegal sales has begun in Krishnarayapuram even in petty shops.
Shops selling liquor illegally have sprouted in Malaiyappan Nagar, Palayapalam, East Krishnarayapuram, Pichampatti, Kovakulam and in the railway station area. It is colloquially called ‘Santhu Kadai’.
Locals claim that the cost of liquor ranges between `25 and `30 per bottle. Besides, the supply of fake liquor has also gone unchecked. They also say that hundreds of policemen are deployed in Krishnarayapuram following the murder and they are aware of the illegal liquor sales. Despite this, they remain mute spectators and have not taken any action, they add.
TASMAC officials say sales at the outlets at Kamanallur and Mayanur has increased 70 per cent, adding that over `10 lakh worth liquor is stocked in the Manjamedu TASMAC outlet. It may not be marketed since it has remained unused for more than 75 days.