Puttur: Villagers gherao excise official demanding closure of bar

‎Puttur:‎‎ Angry group locals of Mura of Mura-Kedila Sadak Road in Kabaka Grama Panchayat on June 20 gheraoed the excise department officials demanding the closure of a newly opened bar and restaurant in the locality.

The group of villagers led by social activist Sudarshan said that the bar has come up in a residential area. The bar and restaurant was opened here despite opposition from the local villagers, the protesters alleged.

The villagers blocked the vehicle of the excise department and prevented the excise inspector from leaving the spot. The excise inspector was let go after the intervention of the Puttur police later.

Excise inspector Sujatha said that the bar has been opened as per the permission received from the Excise Deputy Commissioner. She told the villagers that she was at the place for an inspection as per orders of her superiors. Any objections can be conveyed formally which will be forwarded to the higher authorities she said to the crowd.

But the angry villagers were adamant that they did not want a bar to operate in the village.