Govt will bring new laws with stringent measures to prevent illegal sale of liquor: K'taka Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Excise Minister R B Timmapur on Tuesday told the Assembly that the state government will bring in new laws with stringent measures aimed at preventing illegal sales of liquor.
Pitching for stricter action against persons involved in selling Chloral hydrate powder, which is used to make illicit liquor, he said efforts are being made to bring it under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
"For 60-65 years no new laws have been brought in. Because the punishments are not stringent such illegal and criminal activities are happening. Measures are being taken to bring in new laws under a committee headed by retired IAS officer K P Krishnan. We will bring in strict actions under them," Timmapur said.
He was replying to Raichur Rural Congress MLA Basanagouda Daddal during the Question Hour.
Stating that efforts are underway by the Excise and Police departments to control illegal liquor sales and register cases, he said, "Chloral hydrate powder is dangerous for humans, it is brought in small packets to make large quantities of illegal liquor from neighbouring Andhra."
He said that Chloral hydrate powder is not covered by the NDPS Act, adding that it should be brought under it.
The state government will be sending a recommendation to the Centre in this regard.
"If things don't happen, we will bring in a new law and take strict measures," he added.
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1,600 Indians travel to India on 5 Qatar Airways flights amid airspace curbs
Doha (PTI): Around 1,600 Indian nationals travelled to India on five Qatar Airways flights on Tuesday, even as the airline continues to operate limited services due to restrictions on Qatar's airspace, the Indian Embassy here said.
The flights included two services to Delhi and one each to Mumbai, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, the embassy said in a social media post.
"In total, about 1600 Indian nationals travelled on Qatar Airways flights today," it said.
The mission noted that Qatar's airspace remains largely closed and Qatar Airways is currently operating only limited, non-scheduled flights.
The airline has announced services to nine Indian destinations starting Wednesday, and passengers can make bookings through the Qatar Airways website, mobile application or authorised travel agents.
The embassy said it continues to facilitate temporary Saudi transit visas for stranded Indian nationals wishing to travel to India via Saudi Arabia by crossing the Salwa land border.
The mission will remain open on all days in the coming week to provide consular services, including issuance of passports, while its control room and helplines through phone, email and WhatsApp will continue to function on a 24/7 basis.
It urged the Indian community to follow instructions issued by Qatari authorities and exercise responsibility in sharing information to help maintain public safety and community stability.
The embassy and Indian community organisations have also collaborated to support members of the Indian fishermen community in Qatar by providing dry rations to those in need.
Tensions in West Asia continue to escalate following the US-Israel strikes on Iran since February 28.
