Members Of Women SHG Destroy ‘Illegal’ Liquor Shop In Odisha’s Khurda

Khurda: Frustrated by socio-economic disturbances caused by a liquor shop and indifference of the authorities towards their complaints against it, the agitated members of a WSHG demolished the shop in Odisha’s Khurda district on Friday.

The members of the Women Self Help Group in Saranai village under Balugaon police limits told the media that the liquor shop was run by three persons without valid permission from the authorities. Despite their repeated complaints, neither the police nor the block officials were taking any action against the three persons, they alleged.

“The consumption of liquor from the shop has led to family disturbances and ruined the financial condition of the villagers. The men beating up their wives in inebriated condition has become a norm in the village. My son fractured his hand in an accident he met after consuming liquor. A woman also committed suicide after being unable to tolerate the torture of her husband,” said Damayanti Sahu, a member of the WSHG.

Another woman said her two daughters’ education was affected due to drinking habit of her husband. “We have filed complaints at the local police station. But no step has been forthcoming from the police,” said another agitated woman.

After failing to dissuade their husbands from consuming liquor and get any support from the police, the WSHG members along with other women of the village decided to take the matter to their hands. They rallied on the day and armed with sticks and bamboos attacked the liquor shop.

They destroyed the liquor bottles inside the shop and damaged the structure totally. On being informed, a police team has rushed to the village to restore law and order.