Free flow of Illicit Liquor at Medaram Jatara

Medaram: With liquor, country hen and jaggery in full demand for the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, there seems to be no dearth of these across Medaram. But as expected there seems to be a lot of fake stuff, particularly illicit liquor at the venue. And the rates have skyrocketed so much that people are forced to shell out huge prices.

Liquor is being brought from neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh and sold at premium prices. It is learnt that they have brought liquor from as far as Punjab to sell in Jatara. Illegal operators are selling liquor in rural areas across Medaram.

With most of the police busy on security duty at Medaram, there is virtually no check on the liquor being exported from other states. Also, there is no limit on the prices that they are quoting at Asia's biggest tribal festival. It is said that a liquor bottle which costs Rs 450 in Hyderabad is being priced at Rs 850-900.

On the other hand, even though government announced that the jaggery prices have been slashed and excise department lifted ban on the sale of white jaggery in the state in the wake of Medaram Jatara, the traders are taking the gullible tribal customers for a ride and charging exorbitant amounts for jaggery.

Also read: Telangana Gears Up For Sammakka Saralamma Medaram Jatara In Eturunagaram