Illicit toddy trade thrives in Tandur division

• There are 100 shops, but only 25 have permission
• Excise Department staff accused of turning a blind eye to illicit trade
• Chemicals being added to toddy to give ‘kick’
• Poor and middle classes becoming addicted to adulterated toddy

Tandur: With the Telangana State government permitting resumption of sale of toddy, illicit trade is thriving in Peddamul, Yalal, Bashirabad and Tandur towns in Ranga Reddy district. Over 100 shops are selling toddy, while only 25 have licence to do business. Some licensed traders are allegedly running two to three shops and thus violating the licence norms. The officials and staff of the Prohibition and Excise department, who are supposed to check illicit trade, are turning a blind eye to the illicit operation of toddy shops.

They are indifferent to the loss of revenue to the State government and deleterious effect on the health of people. With abundant availability of toddy, people belonging to the poor and middle classes have become addicted to it as it is cheaper than beer, brandy and whisky. It is alleged that chemicals like Alpozolam and Diazepam are mixed in it.

By: G Ashok Kumar