Belt shops fuel social distress across erstwhile Karimnagar

Karimnagar: Illegal liquor outlets, popularly known as belt shops, continue to operate across the erstwhile Karimnagar districts comprising Karimnagar, Rajanna Sircilla, Jagtial, and Peddapalli despite repeated enforcement drives by the Prohibition and Excise Department, raising concerns over public safety and social well-being.

Although not legally recognised under the Telangana Excise laws, belt shops procure liquor from licenced wine shops and sell it in villages, roadside kiosks, kirana stores, commercial establishments, and residential areas, often at prices above the maximum retail price (MRP). Although the Excise Department conducts occasional raids, residents allege that the illegal trade continues in both rural and urban areas. According to rough estimates, over 12,500 belt shops are believed to be operating across the erstwhile Karimnagar region, far outnumbering licenced liquor outlets. Residents say the easy availability of alcohol has contributed to alcoholism, domestic violence, financial distress, public nuisance, and increased access to liquor among youngsters. Residents have expressed concern over the proliferation of belt shops near educational institutions. They allege commercial complexes are being used as fronts for illegal liquor sales, enabling students access to the outlets on their way to school. Parents are worried that easy access to alcohol around schools could harm the learning environment and children. The issue recently gained attention after parents in Chigurumamidi mandal reportedly complained about illegal liquor outlets operating near a government school.

Women’s organisations have also demanded stricter action, stating that the unchecked spread of belt shops is disrupting family life and creating law-and-order concerns. Locals allege that illegal liquor sales have become rampant along the Karimnagar–Warangal road from the Alugunur Crossroads, where some grocery shops allegedly turn into belt shops after dark. They say liquor sales start at 7 am and continue till midnight. As per norms, licensed liquor shops should be open from 10 am. However, customers consuming alcohol on the roadsides are causing traffic congestion, public nuisance, and occasional altercations.

Residents also allege that some people buy spirits in bulk from licenced wine shops and sell them in villages in quarter bottle and 90 ml packs at prices above the MRP. They say many of the belt shops work from early morning to late night without a break. Another concern is the sale of spurious liquor by some belt shops in rural areas - a matter that has been reported. Locals say suspected spurious spirits are being sold at higher profits, posing a serious risk to public health. The villagers have demanded that the Excise Department tighten checks and take stern action against those involved.

They expressed dissatisfaction that complaints against illegal liquor outlets often do not receive timely attention and called for strict action against licenced wine shops that supply liquor to unauthorised belt shops. Apart from belt shops, permit rooms attached to licenced liquor outlets have also come under criticism for allegedly violating Excise norms.

Residents point to two recent murder incidents linked to drunken brawls in Karimnagar city. In one case, a youth was murdered outside a liquor outlet opposite the Karimnagar One Town Police Station following a dispute. In the other case, a man allegedly died after being attacked with a stone during a fight between intoxicated individuals inside a permit room.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thirunagari Venkateshwara Swamy

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