Hotel Employee Arrested with 4.5 Litres of Foreign Liquor at Sabarimala.
Illegal Liquor Sale at Sabarimala: Hotel Employee Arrested
PATHANAMTHITTA: A hotel employee has been arrested for the illegal sale of liquor near Sabarimala Sannidhanam, an alcohol-free zone. Biju (51), a native of Randamkutty in Kilikollur, Kollam, was detained this evening near the Shasta Hotel, located close to the NSS Building in Sannidhanam, where he was employed. Police seized 4.5 litres of foreign liquor from him.
The incident has raised concerns, as the sale and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited in the pilgrimage area. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the liquor and whether others were involved.
Despite strict checks at Sabarimala, alcohol has reportedly become widely available, raising serious concerns. The intelligence agency has deemed the situation alarming and called for intensified inspections in the coming days.
Last week, several establishments in Sabarimala were penalized for fraudulent practices. The Legal Metrology Department registered 181 cases, including selling goods underweight, overcharging, and other irregularities. Fines amounting to ₹10.87 lakh were imposed. Inspections were carried out by multiple squads across key areas, including Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal, and Outer Pampa, during the ongoing Sabarimala Mandala season.
