Deve Gowda blames K'taka Governor for Hooch Tragedy

Bangalore, May 21(UNI) Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal(Secular) National President H D Deve Gowda today blamed Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur, for the break out of hooch tragedy which has so far claimed over 100 lives since Sunday last.

In a statement here, Mr Gowda alleged that the sharp increase in the price of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and rampant circulation of duty evaded seconds liquor had led to the flow of illicit brew which had killed innocent people in the State.

Charging that excise officials did not take any action against those who were responsible for diverting the spirit and Mythial alcohol meant for industrial use for illicit liquor, Mr Gowda alleged that the Governor, instead of taking action against top Excise officials for the lapses, he is protecting them. "Governor had suspended few low ranking Excise officials but not dared to touch higher officials in the Excise department who were appointed by B S Yeddyurappa during his 7-day office as Chief Minister" he alleged.

Demanding the Governor to take firm stand against the Excise department officials for their lapses in containing the tragedy, Mr Gowda appealed to increase the ex-gratia amount to Rs One lakhs to the next kin of the dead.

UNI MV MSP SKB1833