Piplia Mandi (Madhya Pradesh): Angry over increasing alcoholism among men in the area, a group of villagers including women ransacked a liquor outlet in Jagga Khedi village, destroying liquor bottles kept there. They pelted stones and torched a bike during the violent protest.

As per reports, the incident took place at liquor shop located on Sanjit Road under YD police station jurisdiction on Friday night.

At the time of the incident over 125-150 individuals were drinking in the open which angered the villagers.

Contractor Mahendra Singh Sisodia who has been operating the shop for nine years accused people of looting liquor bottles which resulted in losses estimated at Rs 15 lakhs. Similarly, in Dalouda, Jharda and Afzalpur villages, residents gheraoed liquor shops.

Residents of Jagga Khedi village said they had approached local authorities earlier, demanding the removal of the liquor shop, which they claim has disrupted the peace and safety of their neighbourhood, but the officials took no action.

On being informed, police station in-charge Pushpendra Singh Rathore and CSP Satnam Singh, arrived at the scene. CSP Singh said that CCTV footage was being reviewed from the area. Based on a complaint filed by salesman Raviraj Singh, a case was registered against 12 persons under robbery, assault and vandalism charges. Those booked were identified as Anil Gurjar, Sitaram, and Vijesh Rathore, among others.

The unrest erupted in the wake of state government’s decision to close liquor shops near religious sites from April 1.