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Despite ban, gutka making units come up in Pulivendula
Pulivendula constituency in the district is fast emerging as hub for banned substance ‘gutka’ manufacturing with the support of political leaders. The illegal trade is being carried out by setting up machinery in the farm fields.
Kadapa: Pulivendula constituency in the district is fast emerging as hub for banned substance ‘gutka’ manufacturing with the support of political leaders. The illegal trade is being carried out by setting up machinery in the farm fields. Recently, the cops seized one gutka making unit in a sweet lemon garden at Karnapapaiahpalle village in Lingala mandal and another one at Yerramreddy Palli in Pulivendula mandal.
According to sources, traders are purchasing raw materials from Bengaluru and Anantapur district and smuggling into Pulivendula segment and secretly manufacturing the gutka in the villages. Interestingly, women are reportedly earning good money by indulging in illegal manufacturing of gutka in their homes.
It is learnt that professionals like doctors and lawyers, women and students were addicted to chewing gutka as it is openly available in tea points and grocery shops. Compared to consuming cheap liquor, the gutka has more demand as it is available for cheaper price and those who consume can be in an intoxicant mood for more than 30 minutes.
The illegal activity is thriving with a business of Rs 25 lakh every day in the district. “What is wrong in consuming gutka when I am getting intoxicant mood for Rs 5,” pointed out a consumer. The surveys carried out by Police and Transport departments revealed that consuming gutka and driving is one of the main reasons for road mishaps.
Especially, auto-rickshaw drivers are consuming gutka compared to other vehicle drivers. People allege not a single political party or social group are trying to highlight the gravity of the issue.
By M Srinivasa Rao
