Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 November 2025
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the Administration to take immediate and stringent action to curb the illegal sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) across the Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Mr. Ray called for preventive and enforcement measures to tackle the growing menace of unlicensed liquor sales in shops, gumties, and unauthorized outlets. Copies of his communication have also been sent to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister of India.
During his recent visit to Rangat on October 27, 2025, following the tragic fire incident of October 26 that left several families without homes or livelihoods, the MP interacted with the affected residents. He stated that serious allegations were raised regarding the inaction of certain police personnel in curbing illegal liquor trade in the area.
Expressing concern over the “widespread and unchecked” sale of illicit liquor, Mr. Ray pointed to a pattern of public complaints and alleged police negligence. He also drew attention to the increasing cases of drug abuse among youth, describing it as a growing social threat.
The MP noted that such activities were not confined to Rangat alone but were reportedly prevalent in several areas including Dairy Farm, Haddo, Delanipur, Aberdeen, Pahargaon, Pathergudda, Austinabad, Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Little Andaman.
In his letter, Mr. Ray listed several key concerns:
- Illegal liquor sales through unlicensed outlets allegedly operating with police protection or inaction.
- Failure of effective policing, inadequate patrolling, and alleged illegal collections by some officials.
- Rising drug abuse among the youth.
- Misuse of ANIIDCO outlets, where liquor is allegedly being purchased in bulk and diverted to unauthorized vendors.
Calling for “immediate and stern measures,” Mr. Ray urged the Lt. Governor to tighten enforcement, launch awareness drives against substance abuse, and review police postings to ensure accountability and transparency.
He further recalled that this issue had earlier been discussed in the District Planning Committee meeting of North & Middle Andaman, where assurances were given to curb such illegal activities, yet no significant improvement had been observed.
“As a moral responsibility and in the interest of safeguarding our youth, parents, and women, I urge the Administration to act immediately to maintain peace and harmony in our beautiful Islands,” Mr. Ray stated in a Press Release.
