Fearing trouble from Rajgopal Reddy’s followers, liquor shops open only after 1 pm in Munugode

In Munugode, Nalgonda, liquor shop owners continue opening after 1 pm following Congress MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy’s instructions, fearing trouble from his followers. Excise officials insist shops operate from 10 am, leading to confrontations and ongoing tension

Nalgonda: Despite Excise officials assuring full support to liquor shops in Munugode, many owners continue to open their outlets only after 1 pm, following directions issued by local Congress MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, citing fear of trouble from his followers.

On Friday evening, the MLA’s followers allegedly made traffic police conduct drunk driving tests near two liquor shops in Sansthan Narayanpur. A few tests reportedly turned positive, triggering panic among shop owners.

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To avoid further tussles with the MLA’s followers and fearing loss of business, liquor shop owners have continued to open their outlets only after 1 pm. The Munugode MLA had directed shop owners to operate their outlets after 1 pm and allow customers into permit rooms only after 6 pm.

Citing losses, the shop owners approached the Excise department. A confrontation followed on Friday in Sansthan Narayanpur between the MLA’s followers and Excise officials over shop operation timings.

Despite arguments from the MLA’s followers, Excise officials maintained that such restrictions could not be imposed as they were against departmental orders. Officials also warned the Congress workers of strict action if shop owners were threatened.

The officials directed shop owners to open their outlets and conduct business from 10 am. However, this reportedly did not go down well with the MLA’s followers, following which drunk driving tests were allegedly conducted by the police.

Since Saturday, the two outlets in Sansthan Narayanpur and one in Sarvel have been opening only after 1 pm, according to reports.