Cong demands judicial inquiry into liquor deaths

Kochi, Aug 29 (UNI) Congress MLA K V Thomas today demanded a judicial inquiry into the deaths of three people after they allegedly consumed spurious toddy at Vilakuzhi in Kollam district.

Criticising the LDF-government's liquor policy, Mr Thomas, talking to reporters here said the government's decision to reopen the closed 2,000 toddy shops in the state had resulted in a shortage of toddy.

'' The shortage of toddy had forced shop owners to mix methyl alcohol with toddy,'' the former Excise minister noted.

Mr Thomas said a case should be registered against Excise Minister P K Gurudasan in connection with the liquor deaths.

He alleged that the government had also reduced the punishment for people breaking the liquor policy, which augurs well for the liquor mafia in the state.

Mr Thomas urged the government to take effective measures to prevent such tragedies in future.

Yesterday, three people died and ten others were admitted to hospitals after allegedly consuming contaminated toddy.

UNI