Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (KM/NR)
Karkala, Oct 29: Arrack sachets have been sold here illegally using two different brand names. The excise department has successfully managed to unearth all inside details about the gang that has been involved in the illegal manufacturing of such arrack sachets, sold illegally under the said two brand names.
The whole unsavory episode came to light when the excise department conducted a raid on a manufacturing unit of illegal arrack at Irvattur. Since this raid the entire department has been put on high alert, in the wake of the suspicion that there may be similar such units in the taluka. The excise department will soon announce the names of accomplices once the investigations are completed, sources here informed.
Though the network of illegal manufactures of arrack using fictitious brand names is strong, proper measures have not been taken by the concerned authorities to curb the activities. Neither has any promoter of such illegal activities been arrested, so far.
Moreover, there is absolutely no match between the place of manufacturing unit mentioned on sachets and where it is actually manufactured. The brand name printed on sachets is Gowri Shankar Industries, BH Road, Gowri Bidanur, Kolar district but the manufacturing unit of the sachets is actually Karkala, sources within excise department revealed about the investigation.
Another suspected brand carries the name Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Distilleries on its sachets, but it is suspected that the brand name is fictitious. It is yet to be ascertained, whether sachets having the above referred brand name are actually manufactured in Karkala's vicinity or supplied from outside, sources here stated, giving additional information.
Although such illegal activities were going on steadily before, the activities came to light after the ban was imposed on manufacture and sale of arrack in the state. Once the ban was imposed the manufacturers had to face opposition from people in the vicinity, but their voice was suppressed by the manufacturers with muscle power. However, people can now heave a sigh of relief, once the excise department puts its investigative machinery into motion and comes out with its final outcome.
It is widely believed that the cause of delay in conducting the raid is due to public non-cooperation and apathy. No person was willing to take a risk and inform the department about the illegal arrack making activities in his vacinity. The illegal sachets were in demand for the arrack shops were shut once the ban, this adversely affected the coolies working at quarry.
The department has not yet taken any severe action against both those who have been found indulging in the illegal activities and those who support the sale, sources informed quoting the allegations of the locals.