Police introduces new punishment for boozers

Palakkad (Kerala), Jan 7: A local police station in the district has introduced a novel method of punishment for those who become a public nuisance after consuming liquor.

Circle Inspector M Devadas, attached to the Shornur police station in the district, made 'fresh liquor users', submit a written apology, undertaking not to repeat their mistake.

On routine patrol on New Year's Eve, the official rounded up a large number of drunk youth from the roads and brought them to the police station, where he made them read the Excise Act, in which it had prescribed that those, who found drinking liquor publicly, should be fined Rs 3500.

When the 'boozers' disclosed their inability to pay the fine and also confessed their unawareness about the Act, Mr Devadas insisted they tender a written apology, saying ''I would never use liquor in public places and humbly request you not to register a case.'' 'The new method of punishment is very effective and I did not see such people using liquor again in public places,' he told UNI.

Many youths commiting such offenses were not aware of its dire consequences, and the aim of the punishment was to make them aware of the Act, he said.

However, no excuse would be given to those, who repeated the offence and stern action would be initiated against them, he added.

UNI>