Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 2: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has written to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, urging immediate preventive measures to curb the illegal sale of IMFL liquor in shops, gumties, and unauthorized outlets across the Islands. Copies of the communication have also been sent to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister of India.
He said that during his recent visit to Rangat on 27th October 2025, the MP met the victims of the tragic fire incident that occurred on the night of 26th October 2025, in which several families lost their shops, homes, and sources of livelihood. While interacting with the affected families and residents, serious allegations were raised regarding in action of the certain police personal in the illegal sale of liquor liquor.
The MP highlighted widespread public concern over the growing illegal sale of liquor, alleged police negligence, and rising drug abuse among youth. He mentioned that such issues are not limited to Rangat alone but are prevalent in several areas including Dairy Farm, Haddo, Delanipur, Aberdeen, Pahargaon, Pathergudda, Austinabad, Mayabunder, Diglipur, and Little Andaman Tehsils. The major points raised include:
· Illegal liquor sales through unlicensed outlets allegedly operating under police protection or inaction.
· Failure of effective policing, with inadequate patrolling and alleged illegal collections by some officials.
· Drug abuse among youth, posing a growing social threat across the Islands.
· Misuse of ANIIDCO outlets, where liquor is allegedly being purchased in bulk and supplied to unauthorized vendors.
Shri Ray has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to take immediate and stern strict measures to stop illegal liquor sales in shops and gumties, tight enforcement and awareness drives to combat drug abuse, review of police postings to ensure accountability and transparency.
He also further further stated that this issue had earlier been discussed in the District Planning Committee meeting of North & Middle Andaman, where assurances were given to curb such activities, but no visible improvement has been seen since then. As a moral responsibility and in the interest of safeguarding our youth, parents and women, he urged the Administration to act immediately to maintain peace and harmony in our beautiful Islands,” Mr. Ray said in his appeal.