The elected representatives of Shivamogga district have demanded that the district administration take strong action to stop illegal sale of liquor in rural areas and drug trade in the district.
Legislators Araga Jnanendra, SN Channabasappa, Sharada Puryanaik and Belur Gopalakrishna, who attended the Karnataka Development Program review session on November 28, urged the administration to stop all illegal activities in the district.
Mr. Jnanendra, who was the state’s home minister during the BJP government, said illegal sale of liquor was rampant in rural areas. “Alcohol is available in many small shops. The police have failed to stop it. Likewise, when I was working as the Home Secretary, I firmly believe that no one can sell ganja without the knowledge of the local police,” he noted.
SN Channabasappa, Shivamogga MLA, said he met senior officers of the Home Ministry recently and demanded strong action to stop the sale of ganja. “Illicit drugs are easily available in the city. Addiction to it has worried many families. There is no point in having the police in the district if the drug trade continues,” he says.
Ms. Puryanaik, Shivamogga Rural MLA, said she had received complaints from many women in rural areas about illegal activities including gambling and single-digit lotteries. “They complain that many men spend all their earnings on such activities and return home empty-handed,” she added.
School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa has asked the police to take strong action to stop all illegal activities and report to him within 15 days. “We will have to take strong measures in the interest of the children in the district,” he said.
Regarding the illegal sale of liquor in rural areas, Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde said that he would impose a fine of up to ₹50,000 on shops that encourage such unauthorized sale in rural areas.
Published – 28 Nov 2025 19:32 IST
