Illegal liquor sales at hotels and settlements along the Belhe-Jejuri highway in Maharashtra’s Pabal area are triggering complaints about road accidents, women’s safety and rising family disputes, according to local residents cited by Sakal. Police have announced a special team to act against the alleged trade and said a senior officer will meet villagers in Kendur.
The activity has been reported within the jurisdiction of the Pabal police outpost, particularly at hotels along the highway and in settlements in Pabal and Kendur. Residents say crowds of intoxicated people gather at roadside hotels at night, creating concerns for people travelling on the route and for women living nearby.
According to the report, families dependent on daily-wage work are among those most affected by the alleged illegal liquor outlets. Residents claim that a significant share of household earnings is being spent on alcohol, contributing to financial distress, domestic disputes and an increase in violence against women. These claims have been raised by villagers and were not independently quantified in the report.
Residents also allege that police action has been temporary. They say that although complaints have been made repeatedly, the liquor outlets resume operations a few days after raids or other action. The allegations have raised questions about whether enforcement is addressing the supply network or only disrupting individual locations for short periods.
The issue places responsibility on both the police and the state excise department, which residents want to see take sustained action against the sale of liquor outside the legal system. The complaints also connect enforcement failures with the functioning of a major local road: roadside establishments that attract intoxicated customers can create risks for highway users, nearby households and workers returning home at night.
Ravindra Bhosale, Sub-Divisional Police Officer for Shirur, said illegal activities and liquor sales would not be tolerated in the subdivision. He said instructions had been issued for strict action against sellers and against anyone supporting such businesses. Bhosale also said a separate team had been formed to eliminate illegal activities.
The police administration has taken the demand for prohibition-related action in Kendur seriously, according to Bhosale. He said the police inspector would personally visit the village and speak with residents. He added that illegal liquor sellers would not be given protection under any circumstances. The next steps announced by the police are the formation of the enforcement team, the inspector’s meeting with villagers and action by the police and excise authorities against the alleged outlets.
