This Bengal district sells liquor worth over 20 crore during Holi

The liquor sales figures in Malda during Holi across the state are astonishing. Surpassing all other districts, Malda alone recorded liquor sales worth at least 20 crore rupees in just two days—last Friday and Saturday—during Holi. This estimate was made by the Malda Chamber of Commerce. However, they claim that illegal liquor sales are also taking place.

Sales from all licensed liquor stores amounted to 12 crore rupees, while the remaining amount was earned through illegal liquor sales. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for liquor has gradually increased, and its sales have risen at an unusual rate. The liquor sales rate in Malda district is noteworthy. Despite this, the Chamber of Commerce claims that liquor sales at government-approved stores have decreased compared to the previous year.

In such a situation, sales have dropped by at least 5 to 6 crore rupees this year. Although sales at government shops have declined, liquor consumption has not decreased. Instead, it is being sold illegally and smuggled. These calculations pertain only to foreign liquor. The sales of local liquor have not decreased; in fact, they have increased. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are also available, often sold covertly or illegally.

In the past few days, several incidents in Malda have been linked to alcohol consumption. Reports suggest that suspects involved in incidents such as a shooting in Malda city, a knife murder of a thief in Golapganj, a stabbing of a panchayat secretary in Bhutni, and other criminal activities in Kaliachak were all under the influence of alcohol.

Furthermore, a few days ago, two people were shot dead in the Vaishnavnagar police station area because they could not obtain alcohol or a horn. One died on the spot, while the other succumbed later. Even in the Dulal Sarkar murder case, the criminals allegedly consumed drugs and alcohol regularly for several days in an abandoned house while planning the crime.