Fire at liquor shop in Narsinghpur's Simariya; villagers allege sellers set it themselves

There was a commotion over illegal liquor on Tuesday night in Simariya village, under Gotegaon police station limits in Narsinghpur district. At around 9 pm, women of the village went to a shop at Simariya Phatak, intending to get the illegal liquor being sold there caught.

Villagers allege that on seeing the women arrive, the liquor sellers set their own shop on fire to escape action and to spread panic among people, and fled. A video of the incident has also surfaced. The women then called Dial 112.

Police reached the spot on receiving the information and conducted a raid. They seized a large quantity of illegal liquor from the site.

Villagers also allege that the liquor mafia threatens to implicate those who protest in false cases. According to them, complaints were made to police officers several times, yet no action was taken. Local residents say the illegal liquor trade is run from the railway crossing and from some houses.

Villagers said liquor is sold right on the main road. As a result, women and young women passing through have to face taunts and misbehaviour. Many families in the village are struggling financially because of liquor addiction. The villagers have named three accused in their complaint.

The women and villagers demand that the illegal liquor trade be stopped and strict action be taken against the accused. They have warned that if action is not taken soon, they will launch an aggressive agitation. For now, police have kept the large quantity of liquor seized from the spot.