Tussle erupts between Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy and Excise officials in Munugode

A confrontation broke out in Munugode constituency after Congress MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy’s followers forced a liquor outlet to shut down for allegedly violating his directive on shop timings. The Excise Department intervened, ordering the outlet to reopen and warning the MLA’s supporters against obstructing operations.

Hyderabad: The tussle between Congress MLA Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy and the Excise Department in Munugode constituency escalated on Friday after officials and the legislator’s followers were involved in a spat over liquor shop timings.

It may be recalled that the Munugode MLA had issued instructions that liquor shops should be opened only after 1 pm and permit rooms to operate after 6 pm. He had also issued strict directions to liquor outlets to adhere to the timings.

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However, a liquor outlet was opened at 10 am at Samsthan Narayanpur, allegedly in violation of the MLA’s directions. Irked by this, the MLA’s followers reached the outlet and forced the workers to pull down the shutters. Videos showing the followers compelling workers to close the outlet are circulating on social media.

The incident did not go down well with liquor outlet managements in the constituency, who lodged a complaint with the Excise Department. Acting on the complaint, a team of Excise officials arrived at the outlet and reportedly directed the workers to reopen it.

The officials warned the MLA’s followers that cases would be registered if they obstructed the functioning of the outlet. While the followers argued that the timing restrictions were imposed in the interest of public health, the officials reportedly said such directions were against departmental policy.

Rajgopal Reddy’s followers expressed unhappiness over the department’s approach. They alleged that the Excise officials were acting against the MLA for being outspoken against the A Revanth Reddy government on issues such as Rythu Bandhu disbursement, urea shortage and other matters.