TNR News Network
Jawalamukhi: After remaining closed for nearly four months, a liquor vend in Darang panchayat under Jawalamukhi subdivision of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh was reopened on Friday following the directions of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. However, the reopening has triggered fresh controversy, with contractor Praveen Rana leveling serious allegations against the administration and the police.
Contractor raises questions on security
Praveen Rana alleged that the DVR cable of the CCTV cameras installed at the shop had been mysteriously cut while the outlet was under constant police guard. “When the shop was closed on May 19 following local protests, no sealing procedure was followed, nor was any written order issued. The keys were simply handed over to the police and guards were deployed outside. Now the question arises who is responsible for cutting the DVR cable?” he said.
He further claimed that he had suffered losses of around Rs 50 lakh due to the prolonged closure. “Who will compensate for this? We will not remain silent and will continue our legal battle until justice is served,” he asserted. Rana also demanded sampling of the entire stock to ensure the liquor’s quality and questioned why the locks were not sealed when the shop was shut.
Dharamshala Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO) Vinod Khanna confirmed that the vend was reopened by the Jawalamukhi police as per the high court orders. “We have checked the stock, which is intact. Sampling has been initiated and reports will be available soon,” he said.
Locals voice anger over illegal sales
Meanwhile, locals expressed resentment, claiming that illegal liquor sales were already thriving in the area during the closure of the vend. “Open packets of liquor were being sold without licence or standards, but no strict action was taken. Now the government has reopened the vend in the same locality, which has angered residents,” said a villager.
Adding to the controversy, a recent viral video showed a youth accusing three to four persons of selling illicit liquor near the vend. The youth admitted to being involved in illegal trade himself and alleged that he was assaulted over a financial dispute. Villagers demanded that the administration first crack down on illicit sales to justify reopening of the official outlet.
