Congress submits memorandum to Governor via Collector, accuses BJP leaders of shielding illicit liquor trade in Home Minister and Speaker’s constituencies
Published on: July 02, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a sharp political attack over rising crime and unchecked illegal liquor trade in Rajnandgaon, City Congress President Kulbir Singh Chhabra alleged that the cultural city, once known for its peace and civility, is now being defamed due to rampant alcohol abuse and unlawful liquor sales. Chhabra made the statements while leading a Congress delegation to submit a memorandum to the Governor through Additional District Magistrate C.L. Markande.
The memorandum, submitted on Tuesday, highlights the growing lawlessness and criminal incidents across the city, citing the recent murder of a youth in the Lakhouli Ward over an alcohol dispute. Congress leaders claim that incidents of stabbings, theft, robbery, murder, and public drunkenness are on the rise, leaving women, children, and the elderly feeling unsafe.
Kulbir Singh stated, “Rajnandgaon, once considered a city of values and tranquility, is now suffering due to rampant illegal liquor trade, especially affecting the youth. The situation has deteriorated in areas like Basantpur, Shankarpur, and the old bus stand, where criminal activities are escalating due to unchecked liquor sales.”
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The Congress memorandum further alleges that despite Rajnandgaon being the home district of Chhattisgarh’s Home Minister Vijay Sharma and State Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, illegal liquor operations are thriving with the tacit support of BJP leaders. The delegation accused the administration of turning a blind eye as bootleggers openly operate across neighborhoods, jeopardizing the safety of even government offices.
Chhabra added that police personnel themselves have been found intoxicated and involved in altercations with colleagues, citing reports from local newspapers. In rural areas like Surgi, the illicit liquor trade is said to have reached alarming levels, with anti-social elements attacking passersby under the influence.
Raising concerns over government proposals to open new liquor outlets in the city, the Congress strongly opposed such plans and demanded immediate action to curb illegal liquor sales and take strict action against the culprits.
The memorandum urged the Governor to intervene and direct the state administration to prioritize public safety. Key Congress figures present during the submission included Divisional Spokesperson Kamaljeet Singh Pintu, Leader of Opposition Santosh Pille, Pankaj Bandhav, Vivek Vasanik, Councillor Satish Masih, Vikas Tripathi, Jhamman Devangan, Amit Chandrawanshi, Asif Ali, Sharad Khandelwal, Jitendra Sharma, Bablu Kassar, Surendra Devangan, Arshad Khan, Dr. Kumar, Vishu Ajmani, Rahul Devangan, Surendra Gajbhiye, Nilesh Thaware, Jitendra Sinha, Tausif Gauri, Himmat Pawar, and many others.
