‘Liquor industry thrives in CM Narendra Modi’s Maninagar’

If you thought popular political leaders safeguard the interests of the voters in their constituencies, here’s a reality check. Of all those who have died in Ahmedabad’s hooch tragedy, at least nine are from Maninagar — chief minister Narendra Modi’s constituency.  Not just that, at least another 10 are admitted in hospital.

In CM’s constituency are Amraiwadi and Ramol police stations.

These two police stations are known to rake in huge hafta from bootleggers.

According to a source, Amraiwadi police station collects around Rs20 lakh a month while Ramol station, created only a year back, rakes in not less than Rs40 lakh every month.

The figures do not include the hafta sent to senior police officers in charge of the respective division and zone, and officials further up.

“There are over 300 houses in Bhaipura area that sell hooch. It is their basic occupation. Bootlegging is a cottage industry in Maninagar. The most ‘powerful’ bootleggers like Jagan Madrasi are from the CM’s constituency,” the source said.

“There is an overwhelming demand among police inspectors and sub inspectors to be posted at Ramol. The going rate right now for a police inspector is Rs20 lakh,” he added. Despite the tragedy, liquor was being openly sold at Bhaipura area as late as 9 pm on Thursday, said sources.