Fed up with drunken crowds, women vandalise Agra liquor outlet; 9 held

AGRA: Nine people, including six women, were arrested after a protest against a liquor shop in Chandan Nagar locality of Rambagh in Agra district turned violent, with demonstrators allegedly vandalising the outlet and throwing liquor cartons onto the road, police said on Thursday. Residents claimed the shop was operating beyond authorised hours and had become a gathering point for drunkards and anti-social elements. Police said a group of women gathered outside the liquor outlet on Wednesday demanding its closure and allegedly broke open the shop’s lock before scattering liquor cartons and tetra packs on the road. The protesters alleged that the shop was selling liquor from as early as 4 am and continuing late into the night in violation of prescribed timings. They claimed the outlet created an unsafe environment for women and school-going girls. Residents said they had repeatedly raised the issue with the excise department but no action had been taken. West Narayach councillor Sher Singh Savita, said, “I had raised the issue of the liquor shop with the police a few months ago and sought regular evening patrolling in the area. Residents had been protesting against the outlet for the past 15 days, alleging that people consumed alcohol there from morning till late at night. Women had also been demanding its closure for a long time.” District excise officer Krishna Pal Yadav said, “Residents had recently sought the relocation of the shop and had been assured that their request would be considered.” However, he denied allegations that liquor was being sold during early morning hours and maintained that “the outlet operated only during authorised timings”. A case has been filed and video footage is being examined to identify others involved. Trans-Yamuna SHO Harendra Kumar said, “The liquor shop has been operating in the area for the past five years without facing any major opposition.” He added that a case under multiple BNS sections, including section 191(2) (rioting), has been registered against 12 named persons and 20 unidentified individuals.