In a crackdown against public consumption of alcohol that leads to “nuisance,” the excise department of Delhi government has arrested 36 persons on the first day with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia warning people of strict action for drinking in the open.
Taking a pledge to intensify the drive, Mr Sisodia, who also heads the excise department, had written to Delhi high court chief justice G. Rohini requesting her to provide ten mobile magistrates so that challans could be issued on the spot.
The deputy CM said that the government is committed to completely stop drinking in public as women feel unsafe because of this and it affects business in the markets and places where such practice is adopted.
“On Monday, we arrested 36 persons for open drinking. They were produced before the magistrates and handed over to police at night. I appeal to people not to drink in public places. We will intensify drive against such behaviour.”
“The Delhi government doesn’t have any intention to send people to jail, but won’t spare them if they are found consuming liquor in public places as common people, especially women feel unsafe,” Mr Sisodia said at a press conference.
The department has formed 10 special teams of four members each to catch people consuming alcohol in the open. On the first day of the drive, raids were conducted at Karol Bagh, Jamrudhpur, Jankapuri, Jahangirpuri, and Nehru Place among others. In the Northeast district, three persons were apprehended while in Central and New Delhi districts, eight people were caught drinking liquor in public places. Ten people were arrested in West Delhi.
The government added that it will strictly enforce the Excise Act in the city.
