Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Illegal Belt Shops Fuel Social Distress Across Karimnagar
People in the former Karimnagar district say many illegal liquor-selling spots are operating.
These places, called belt shops, reportedly get alcohol from licensed stores and sell it in villages and other locations.
Some residents say the alcohol costs more than the official price.
Parents are worried about outlets near schools and children’s access to alcohol.
Residents also say drinking has contributed to family problems and public disturbances.
Some villagers fear that a few shops may be selling unsafe, fake liquor.
They want officials to enforce the rules more strictly.
The report also describes two recent deaths after fights involving people who had been drinking.
Residents estimate that more than 12,500 illegal belt shops operate across the erstwhile Karimnagar region, despite periodic enforcement drives.
The outlets reportedly obtain liquor from licensed wine shops and sell it in villages and urban areas, sometimes above the maximum retail price.
Residents and parents say easy access, including near schools, contributes to concerns about youth drinking, family strain, and public safety.
Locals allege some outlets sell liquor from early morning until midnight and that suspected spurious liquor is sold in rural areas.
Residents and women’s organisations are seeking stricter enforcement; the report also cites two recent fatal incidents linked to drunken fights.
- Who
- Residents, parents, women’s organisations, and the Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department.
- What
- Residents allege widespread illegal liquor sales through belt shops and call for stronger enforcement.
- When
- The report describes an ongoing issue and cites two recent murder incidents, without giving dates.
- Where
- The erstwhile Karimnagar region: Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, Jagtial, and Peddapalli districts in Telangana.
- Why
- Residents say the outlets contribute to social distress, public nuisance, risks to children, and possible public-health dangers.
Residents and complainants
Enforcement and licensing context
Scale and persistence of illegal sales
Residents and complainants
Residents allege belt shops remain widespread despite occasional raids and say complaints often receive no timely attention.
Enforcement and licensing context
The Prohibition and Excise Department conducts enforcement drives and occasional raids; the article does not include a department response to the residents’ allegations.
Supply from licensed shops
Residents and complainants
Residents call for strict action against licensed wine shops that allegedly supply liquor to unauthorised outlets.
Enforcement and licensing context
The article says belt shops obtain liquor from licensed wine shops, but includes no response from those shops or the department.
- Estimated belt shops
- More than 12,500 across the erstwhile Karimnagar region, according to rough estimates cited in the report.
- Districts covered
- Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, Jagtial, and Peddapalli.
- Reported sales locations
- Villages, roadside kiosks, grocery stores, commercial establishments, and residential areas.
- Reported operating hours
- Locals allege some outlets sell from 7 am until midnight; licensed liquor shops should open at 10 am under the stated norms.
- Reported pricing
- Residents say some belt shops charge above the maximum retail price.
- School-related complaint
- Parents in Chigurumamidi mandal reportedly complained about illegal liquor outlets near a government school.
- Recent incidents
- The report cites two deaths following fights linked to drinking in Karimnagar city.