Hyderabad, January 03 (INN): Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkatramana Rao on Monday announced a high-level enquiry into the death of 17 tribals in Mylavaram of Krishna district due to consumption of spurious liquor.
Talking to reporters at his chambers in D-Block of State Secretariat, the minister said that the presence of excess methane in the country-made liquor caused the death of tribals at Poratanagar and Mylavaram hamlets. However, he said a detailed probe has been ordered to go into the factors that led to the tragic incident.
The Minister said that Mylavaram tragedy would be probed by a retired IAS officer and the responsibility would be entrusted to a person who had earlier worked with the Excise Department. Further, action would also be taken against the Assistant Superintendent, Excise Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement. He also announced that the government would provide job to one member from each of families of Mylavaram victims under the Rajiv Yuva Kiranulu scheme.
Venkataramana Rao claimed that a team of Excise Department went to Mylavaram hamlet for inspection on December 31. However, the locals denied entry to the excise officials and unfortunately, the hooch tragedy occurred a few hours later.
The minister admitted of shortage of staff in the Excise Department. However, he said that efforts were being made to overcome the shortage. He said about 2300 constables would be recruited in the Excise Department soon. The government would also register cases under the Preventive Detention Act against those involved in the sale of spurious liquor, he warned.
Venkataramana Rao said that the government would act tough against those selling liquor above the Maximum Retail Prices. He warned that the government would cancel the licenses of those who sell the liquor above MRP. On being asked about the report of Anti-Corruption Bureau on liquor syndicate, he said that the government was yet to receive the report. (INN)