Coimbatore: A former liquor dealer has lodged a complaint at the Coimbatore District Superintendent's Office seeking action against a police inspector for forcing him to sell spurious liquor at Valparai in Coimbatore district.
Coimbatore: A former liquor dealer has lodged a complaint at the Coimbatore District Superintendent's Office seeking action against a police inspector for forcing him to sell spurious liquor at Valparai in Coimbatore district.
Prabhu, alias Deva, from Stanmore Estate in Valparai, Coimbatore district had been selling liquor in the black market for the past two years, reportedly with the backing of the Police Inspector, Murugesan. Spurious liquor was sold at 36 locations across Valparai.
In this regard, Deva registered a complaint at the DSP office in Coimbatore stating that the Valparai police were receiving kickbacks in lakhs, for permitting liquor to be sold. Addressing the issue, Deva said, "I have given him Rs.10,000 for one shop which totals to about Rs.3,60,000 for 36 liquor shops. Rs.15,000 is given for one lottery shop which amounts to about Rs.60,000 for four lottery shops. This is handed over to the Inspector through Karunakaran and writer Kalidas. Similarly, for his special friends like the Head Constable Mujib, he has allowed Rs.2,000 to be given for each of the 36 shops which totals to Rs.72,000 and Rs 20,000 for the lottery shops. After permitting to sell spurious liquor for a week, Sub Inspectors Karunakaran and Prabhu reportedly told Deva to hide the liquor and then sell later.
Deva claimed, "One day the SP, Head Constable Mujib and Sub Inspector Selladurai came to my shop and took six bottles of liquor to the police station. According to the Valparai police, when they capture liquor bottles, a fine of Rs.5,000 should be given to settle the matter, but then the police demanded me to give more money. They stated that they need the money for the newly-arrived officials and journalists as well. When I argued with them saying that I had just parted with a hefty sum and hence cannot give anymore, they became furious and asked me to go to the police station at 7.30 am on June 23 and arrested me on the pretext of selling liquor, illegally. They also filed a case upon me claiming that I had hidden 26 bottles and hence sent me to jail." Deva also alleged that the Inspector supported illegal activities in the region but sent him to jail for his own selfish reasons. He also claimed that he was no longer involved in illegal activities. I have therefore complained to the Coimbatore DSP to bring to his attention the illegal dealings of the Inspector and the police officials in Valparai."