Bengaluru Metro may soon allow passengers to carry sealed liquor bottles
Bengaluru: Passengers travelling on Namma Metro may soon be permitted to carry sealed liquor bottles, if ongoing discussions within the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) result in a formal policy change, The New Indian Express reported on Wednesday.
Sources in BMRCL said the proposal has been discussed on multiple occasions and was taken up again at a recent meeting. While there is in-principle approval for the move, officials indicated that its implementation may take some time.
“We will follow the Delhi model. Currently, carrying liquor is allowed on the airport line of the Delhi Metro. Once Namma Metro is connected to the airport, which is expected in about two years, liquor will be allowed,” a source said.
Officials clarified that no special licence or separate government approval is required to allow passengers to carry sealed liquor bottles. Once cleared, the rule will be incorporated into the Metro’s operational guidelines.
“At present, it is not allowed, and there is no specific reason for it. People are permitted to travel on Metro trains even after consuming alcohol, as it is a public transport system. However, consumption must be within permissible limits,” an official said.
The official did not specify what constitutes permissible limits but but stressed that passengers should not misbehave or cause discomfort to others.
At present, Namma Metro stations display boards listing 58 prohibited items under eight categories. These including sharp objects, firearms, tools, explosive materials, flammable items, disabling chemicals, offensive items and others. Liquor is listed under flammable items as alcohols and spirits.
“We have received several requests and feedback over the years questioning why liquor is prohibited on a public transport system. Some have pointed out that while eating and drinking are not allowed inside trains, carrying sealed bottles like any other luggage should not pose a problem. There have also been instances where security staff at some stations have allowed passengers to carry bottles,” the official said.
Confirming that discussions are underway, BMRCL Director (RES and O&M) Sumit Bhatnagar reportedly said deliberations on allowing sealed liquor bottles inside Metro trains are ongoing.
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Rape accused's mother murdered by victim's brother in MP's Shivpuri
Shivpuri (PTI): The 60-year-old mother of a rape accused was killed allegedly by the victim's brother in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, a police official said on Saturday.
The incident took place on Friday, Rannod police station house officer (SHO) Arvind Chauhan said.
"An anganwadi worker returning from a hospital was offered a lift by one Inder Gurjar, who took her to a secluded spot and raped her. She called up her brothers to narrate the ordeal. One brother of the victim along with two associates went to Gurjar's house and assaulted him. When Gurjar's mother Sirkunwarbai (60) intervened, she was attacked with a sharp weapon. She died on the spot," he said.
Based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman's daughter-in-law, three persons were booked for murder. One of them was held on Saturday, the official added.
A separate case has also been registered against Gurjar for rape, he said.
Police personnel have been deployed in the area in view of tension following the incident, the official added.
