CH NEWS, HAVERI
Sugar and Textile Minister and Haveri District In-charge Minister Rudrappa Manappa Lamani has directed Excise Department officials to take strong action against illegal liquor sales in the district.
During a meeting at the District Collector’s Office, he said cases must be registered against people selling liquor without valid licences.
Lamani said complaints had been received about illegal liquor being sold through grocery shops and tea stalls. Officials were instructed to conduct regular inspections and identify unauthorised sellers. He stressed that alcohol must not be sold near schools and colleges, warning that the issue should be treated seriously to protect young people from harmful habits.
The minister ordered the Excise Department to create a special team to identify and stop illegal liquor sellers. He warned officials against negligence and said he would form his own team if the department failed to act. Lamani recalled that he had personally detected an illegal liquor case in Guthala earlier and said officers who worked sincerely would be supported.
Lamani said excessive drinking could disturb family life and push households into serious difficulties. He urged officials to work carefully in the interest of society and ensure that illegal liquor sales were completely stopped. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Vijayamantesh Danammavara directed officials to inspect villages and investigate people suspected of purchasing liquor in large quantities.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Nagaraj asked officials to monitor liquor entering the district from outside Karnataka and other districts. Excise Deputy Commissioner M. Vanajakshi said 620 illegal liquor cases had been detected since January, with immediate raids conducted when violations were found. She added that 89 percent of the department’s target had been achieved and vehicles from outside areas were being checked at border posts.
Public complaints to receive on-the-spot attention
A taluk-level Praja Seva Andolan meeting will be held on September 5 at Sri Kumareshwara Mutt under the leadership of Minister Rudrappa Manappa Lamani. District Collector Dr. Vijayamahanthesh Danammavara said application forms and document lists are being delivered door to door before the meeting. Separate counters will receive public applications and complaints. People can raise issues related to drinking water, roads, streetlights, ration cards, pensions, land records and other government services. Officials from all departments will examine complaints and take necessary action during the meeting. Department stalls will also provide information about available services. The public has been urged to participate.
Minister urges students to embrace true sportsmanship
Winning and losing are natural parts of sports, Minister Rudrappa Manappa Lamani said while inaugurating the Haveri West Cluster Level Primary Schools Sports Meet for 2026-27. He urged students to accept results positively, respect umpires’ decisions and support fellow participants. Winners should prepare for higher competitions, while those who lose should remain confident and work harder for future success, he said. Lamani also highlighted Haveri’s new synthetic track, built at a cost of Rs. 10 crore, and said a better stadium would be developed soon. The facilities will help schoolchildren train better and pursue sporting opportunities.