Holi was celebrated with traditional zeal and zest in Bokaro and Dhanbad. Except few, no untoward incidents were reported across the twin districts.
Taking advantage of the confusion over the day of celebration of the festival, boozers, tipplers and occasional drinkers enjoyed the festivity.
The traditional drink bhang was found losing its charm this holi. More people were seen opting for liquor over the traditional drink. liquor sale ranked top, sold in ‘black’ in a bid to set the mood to make a splash with colours. All brands sold for as high as 30 to 40 per cent more than its print price here.
“There is no control over market, we are forced to pay high price as its Holi”, said Ritesh a tippler.
“We have tried to contact Excise Commissioner in this concern but he did not pick-up his mobile and later switched off his mobile”, said Deepak Chowrasia another buyer. “I have purchased a full bottle of Whisky and was forced to pay Rs 250 higher than the price I pay for it on normal days”, said Vinod a resident of City Center Bokaro.
Meanwhile liquor sellers have their own plea; “we are compelled to sell it at a higher price as we have to make liquor free (in boxes) to the Government officials, police officials including DSP, OC of local police station as well as scribes during Holi”, said a liquor seller on anonymity.
“In a bid to manage our loss we have to sell it on higher price. Though we have paid additional Rs 1 lakh per shop to the Excise official for the same”, said another seller.
Besides, on authorised shops, liquor also goes on sale through different sweets and battle shops in Bokaro on higher price, said Krishna another buyer.
The Excise department sources said that there was an impressive increase in liquor supply and sales during Holi. “There was an approximate 35 per cent increase in liquor sale during this festival, as compared to daily sales”, he added.