Date:20/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/20/stories/2008012055180400.htm

Kerala - Alappuzha

Illegal arrack distillery raided

Staff Reporter

ALAPPUZHA: The Mannar police stumbled upon an illegal arrack distillery being run from a double-storeyed house at Kuruthikad near Mavelikara on Saturday. One person was arrested in connection with the case.

According to Mannar Sub Inspector of Police Jose Mathew, the police were investigating the case of a missing girl and had inspected the house based on rumours that the house was the centre of anti-social activities. The house had been converted into a distillery some time ago and was a local ‘sale’ centre as well, Mr. Mathew said.

In fact, when the police inspected the house, distilling was in process. Thirty-five plastic cans, each of 35-litre capacity, nearly 300 litres of the illicitly brewed arrack and distilling equipment were seized, the police said.

One arrested

Ajeesh, 19, son of the house owner, was arrested. The owner, Sarasamma, and her second son are absconding. Police have registered a case against Ms. Sarasamma and are on the hunt for her.

“Being a double-storeyed building and situated in a residential locality, it was a perfect cover for them. That is, till we blew it,” the police said.