A group of women from Chachadi village in Belagavi district staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Friday.
They alleged that the presence of a liquor shop in the village has led to a rise in alcohol addiction among men, causing distress to families.
The protestors demanded the closure of the MSIL liquor outlet and stressed the need to safeguard the younger generation from alcohol abuse.
Raising slogans against the State’s Congress government, they expressed strong resentment.
They warned of an intensified agitation if the shop is not shut down or relocated to a distant area.
The women also pointed out that the liquor shop along the Belagavi–Bagalkot highway is contributing to accidents, as drivers often stop there to consume alcohol.
They further claimed that liquor is being sold illegally in small shops by agents without licences.
Activist Shobha Appannavar said that even schoolchildren are falling prey to addiction. Tangevva Bassapure warned that if the situation persists, they may be driven to take extreme steps.
A memorandum was submitted to Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan and Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan.
The SP assured protection to the protestors and stated that action would be taken against violators.
Excise Superintendent Jagadish Kulkarni said that illegal sales would be curbed and any breach of licence conditions would be probed.
Channamma Angadi, Iravva Yakkundi, Gangavva Somannavara, Basavaraja Thigadi, Mudakappa Meti, Raju Patil and others were present.
