Updated: Sat, 01 Nov 2025 02:45 (IST) Liquor is being sold openly in Katihar in violation of the code of conduct, raising serious questions about law and order. Rules are violated during elections and the role of the administration seems suspicious, making the situation even more alarming. Code of conduct implemented, still no brakes on sale of liquor. Photo: Jagran Samvad Sahayak, Katihar. Model code of conduct is in force in the district in relation to assembly elections, under which there is a strict ban on the sale, distribution and consumption of liquor. Despite this, the smuggling and sale of liquor continues in many areas of the district. Remove ad, just read the news. It would appear that the fear of police strictness has disappeared from the minds of liquor dealers. Liquor is sold openly in many places in the city police station area. As a result, questions of law and order have been raised. According to sources, the open sale of country and English liquor continues from 5 am to 11 pm at many places in the city, including Santoshi Chowk. Everyday drunken people are seen fighting and creating ruckus here. Residents of the area hesitate to even complain out of fear. Liquor mafia continues to threaten people every day. However, police raids were carried out several times. But it doesn’t seem to have any significant impact on liquor retailers. Most smugglers wake up before police action. By which they escape arrest. Local citizens, on condition of anonymity, said that country and English liquor is being sold openly from 5 in the morning to 11 at night in the railway quarter located at Santoshi Chowk and other places. If anyone opposes it, he is beaten and even threatened with death. And also threatens police nexus. What are those people afraid of? The local resident demanded the police administration to take appropriate steps in this direction. So that any major incident can be avoided in the future. To maintain peace in the election environment, there should also be a strict ban on liquor trade and instructions should be given to the responsible officers for regular monitoring. Said that despite the implementation of the code of conduct, this series of sales and smuggling of liquor raises questions about administrative actions. Action will be taken upon receipt of information on liquor sales. The concerned police station chief will be directed to take concrete steps to curb such illegal business. -Shikhar Chaudhary, SP Katihar.