State polls: Red alert issued to block illegal liquor from neighbouring states

Thiruvananthapuram: A red alert was issued on Wednesday by the Excise Commissioner in view of intelligence inputs that there was a possibility of flow of spurious liquor and toddy in Kerala, ahead of the 16 May assembly polls.

The Excise commissioner has issued a red alert and all the officials have been directed to ensure that no untoward incidents happen in their jurisdiction, especially with regard to spurious liquor and toddy, excise department sources told PTI.

The state Intelligence had in a recent report to the government, warned that there was a possibility of flow of spurious liquor in Kerala following the closure of foreign liquor bars in three and four star hotels as part of the new liquor policy. The excise and enforcement departments had also been asked to keep more vigil.

The report had stated that there was a possibility that people aggrieved by the new liquor policy would try to exploit the situation and create trouble as the state is all set for the 16 May assembly polls.

There were chances of spurious liquor being sold in festival places and tourist spots in the state, it said.

It also asked for steps to be initiated to prevent flow of liquor and illicit liquor from neighbouring states.