3 hrs ago
Illegal Belt Shops Persist Across Old Khammam District
People in the former Khammam district say illegal liquor shops are still operating in many places.
Some reportedly sell alcohol from grocery shops, kiosks and homes.
Residents say these shops can make alcohol available outside the hours of licensed stores.
They are concerned about family problems, money troubles and disturbances in public.
People have especially raised concerns around Bhadrachalam, a town known for its temple and pilgrims.
Excise officials say they are monitoring areas, conducting raids and taking legal action against offenders.
The department has asked people to share reliable information about illegal outlets.
Sources estimate there may be around 7,000 such shops across the former district, but the number can change.
Residents and women’s groups say illegal liquor outlets remain widespread despite periodic enforcement drives.
The outlets reportedly operate from shops, kiosks and homes, sometimes selling liquor after licensed outlets close.
Residents link easy access to alcohol with public nuisance, family disputes and financial hardship.
Excise Deputy Commissioner V Somi Reddy says teams conduct surveillance, surprise inspections and raids, and that offenders face legal action.
Sources estimate about 7,000 belt shops across the former district, compared with 210 licensed retail liquor shops.
- Who
- Residents, women’s groups, social activists, local traders and the Prohibition and Excise Department.
- What
- Concerns have been raised about the continued operation of unauthorised liquor outlets, known as belt shops.
- Where
- The erstwhile Khammam district, including present-day Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts.
- When
- The article describes ongoing concerns and enforcement activity; no specific date is given.
- Why
- Residents say the outlets make liquor easily available and contribute to public nuisance, family disputes and financial hardship.
Residents and community concerns
Excise Department response
Whether enforcement is sufficient
Residents and community concerns
Residents say occasional drives have not stopped belt shops from spreading and call for sustained raids, prosecutions and a public grievance mechanism.
Excise Department response
Deputy Commissioner V Somi Reddy says the department conducts continuous surveillance, surprise inspections and raids, and books cases when violations are found.
How to address the problem
Residents and community concerns
Residents and social organisations call for stronger enforcement, community participation and public-awareness campaigns.
Excise Department response
The department says it follows a zero-tolerance approach, will take action under the Excise Act and asks the public to provide credible information.
Key facts
- Estimated belt shops
- Sources estimate around 7,000 across the erstwhile Khammam district.
- Estimated per mandal
- Roughly 150–200, with numbers said to fluctuate.
- Licensed retail liquor shops
- 210 in the erstwhile district: 122 in Khammam district and 88 in Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
- Excise stations
- Bhadradri Kothagudem district has six: Kothagudem, Palvancha, Aswaraopeta, Bhadrachalam, Manuguru and Yellandu.
- Official response
- Deputy Commissioner V Somi Reddy says the department uses surveillance, surprise inspections and raids, and will take legal action against offenders.
- Sensitive location
- Bhadrachalam, where residents and devotees have raised concerns about illegal liquor outlets near the temple town.
Quotes
V Somi Reddy
Deputy Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise
“The department follows a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal liquor sales. Anyone found operating a belt shop will face stringent legal action under the Excise Act. We also appeal to the public to share credible information about illegal outlets so that prompt action can be taken,”
thehansindia.com
thehansindia.com
Sources
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