POLYTECHNIC STUDENT DROWNED;

Madkeri January 23, 2006

A student of Polytechnic civil division at Kushalnagar drowned to death yesterday.

Shivkumar, 19, hailing from Satanur village of Mandya district was studying at Kushalnagar polytechnic. He went for swimming in Cauvery River, opposite to polytechnic. He was reportedly drowned trying to reach to the other bund while swimming.

His friend Hemant Kumar was shifted to hospital, injured in the melee. He tried to save his friend in vain.

Kushalnagar police have registered a case.

EXCISE DEPARTMENT TO STOP ILLEGAL SALE;

Excise department in Kodagu has taken many measures to curb the sale of illegal and illicit liquor.

In an exclusive interview to this correspondent, the Deputy Commissioner Of excise, Hussein told that a high-level committee is formed in the district to monitor the excise activity. The committee comprising of the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police reviews the developments and illegal activities registered and discuss the solutions every month.

Excise laws are amended and stringent action would be initiated against the culprits. He said that the accused would be issued non-bailable warrant. Their licences can also be cancelled.

He said that about 91 cases were booked in the district from June to December 2005 and 89 persons were arrested in connection with the sale of illegal liquor. 2250 liters of illicit liquor, 250 liters of local liquor 1580 illegal liquor valued over rupees two lakh. Vehicles were also confiscated in this connection.

Consider increase in the sale of liquor is seen in the district. District registered a sale worth rupees 24.74 crores between June and December while the figure was rupees 18.69 crores during last year at the same season.

Hussain said that the department is ruthless against illegal sale and activities and a special striking force has also come into existence.