Illegal Liquor Dens and Gambling Hubs Flourish in Banskandi, Residents Demand Crackdown

Banskandi, July 9: Illegal activities, including unauthorized liquor sales and open gambling dens, have reportedly mushroomed across Banskandi and its adjoining villages, triggering outrage among the local populace. Residents have accused law enforcement agencies of turning a blind eye to the rising menace that is fast corroding the social fabric of the area.

According to ground reports, multiple roadside stalls are openly selling illicit alcohol near schools, temples, and residential clusters. Simultaneously, makeshift gambling zones are drawing crowds from nearby tea gardens and hamlets, especially in the evening hours, with youth and daily wage earners being the most vulnerable.

A local teacher, on condition of anonymity, said, “These dens are destroying families. Alcoholism is on the rise. Schoolchildren witness such immoral scenes every day. It is heartbreaking.”

Despite several written complaints and verbal appeals submitted to the local police outpost, no decisive action has been taken so far. Locals claim that these illegal vendors operate under the alleged protection of certain political and criminal elements, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to raise their voices without fear of retaliation.

Women’s groups in the area have also raised concern over growing instances of domestic violence and eve-teasing linked to alcohol consumption. Several households have reportedly been forced into debt due to gambling addiction, leading to a sharp spike in petty crimes and household discord.

Community leaders have now warned of an indefinite dharna (peaceful protest) outside the police station if the administration fails to launch a comprehensive cleanup drive within the next 10 days.

The silence of the authorities, despite growing public anger, is raising troubling questions about governance and law enforcement in the Banskandi region.

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