Wine shop near temple sparks protests

Nacharam: Residents of Nacharam division are experiencing severe inconvenience due to running of wine shops near schools and temples with impunity. They are expressing their ire towards the shop-owners who, they feel, are 'blind' to the location of temples near them, citing the example of Nacharam Crossroads where a new wine shop has been set up close to Ayyappa temple.

Devotees visiting the temple, according to the residents, face inconvenience as vehicles are parked near the shop. Many visitors have expressed anger towards the Excise and Prohibition department turning a blind eye to the location of the shop close to the temple.

The residents allege that the officials concerned are indifferent to the complaints over setting up liquor shop so close to the shrine, and point out that none seem to be bothered about the parking of many vehicles on the road. They have already questioned how the liquor store could be set up in proximity to the temple near ESI hospital.

"Only amassing wealth seems to the objective of such shop owners, in collusion with the department officials," some residents alleged. They want the excise department at least now to take action against the owners of liquor shop, who have allegedly violated the stipulated guidelines.