There is no instance of the District Excise Office, Kendrapada, taking action against any staff for sidelining complaints lodged by people against the liquor shop at Namtara village near Rajnagar. Excise Minister Dr Damodar Rout informed this in the State Assembly in a written reply to a query by Dilip Ray (BJP).
He informed that local sarpanch and people had lodged complaints four times between 2007 and December 31, 2014 against the shop, established on September 15, 2005. Earlier no complaint had been received though Form-'A' public notice had been issued inviting complaints before its opening, the Minister said.
Besides, a case had been lodged in the High Court later. The shop was closed for a few days as per the HC direction. The liquor shop has been running smoothly in these passing years, he said.
He further informed that an Excise Inspector has conducted investigation into the complaints lodged at district level in 2014-15. During investigation, some people opposed it and some others viewed it as a basic need, the Minister said, adding that no investigation is done with ill intention.
"Most of times, it has marked that complaints against location of liquor shops have been lodged over individual disputes or to achieve personal benefits. The pattadars (owners) are being put to trouble meaninglessly. During investigations, most of complaints have been found false and motivated," the Minister said in the reply.
He also informed that the Excise Department has no information regarding the alleged police firing at women while protesting against the liquor shop on the International Women's Day on March 8. He said keeping such information doesn't come under purview of the department.