Police raids bootleg liquor units in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Oct.11 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh police raided illicit liquor manufacturing units and made several arrests in Gorakhpur district over the weekend.

Police officials said the bootleg liquor business has grown due to the Panchayat elections.

The Panchayat elections began Monday all over the State.

"We have felt that due to village council elections, there has been rampant growth in this poisonous liquor business. Accordingly, police has also made its investigation faster. We have arrested people in large numbers," said Asim Arun, Deputy Inspector General, Gorakhpur.

"They have been charged under some sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and are liable to be charged under more serious sections. However, we have successfully destroyed large numbers of booths and tanks," he added.

One of the candidates, Smriti Devi, stated that some candidates bribe locals with the bootleg liquor in exchange for votes.

"In the district, poisonous liquors and non-vegetarian food is being served. People are enticed and given money to drink," said Devi. (ANI)