File Photo: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra government is in favour of awarding capital punishment to those who indulge in adulteration of food, milk and medicines, the state Legislative Council was informed today.
"The government is of the view that there should be strict punishment awarded for adulteration. That is why we have included Section 302 (Murder) against the perpetrators of the Malvani Hoonch incident. The government is positive on capital punishment in such cases and we will consult the Centre amending the existing law," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.
RPI MLC Jogendra Kawade, while speaking on calling attention motion, demanded that the state government should consider death sentence for adulteration crimes, referring to the Malwani hooch tragedy incident, in which about 100 people died after consuming spurious liquor.
Mr Kawade also demanded that the state government, after banning liquor in Gadchiroli, Wardha and Chandrapur, should now ban sale of liquor across the state.
Replying to Mr Kawade, Mr Fadnavis said that liquor is smuggled in states where prohibition is enforced and Maharashtra police already faces many challenges.
NCP MLC Prakash Gajbhiye said that alcohol can be obtained easily by making a phone call in districts where it has been banned.
He also questioned if the government plans to ban alcohol in Yavatmal district.
Replying, Minister of State for Home, Ram Shinde said that there currently is no proposal to ban alcohol in the district.
Mr Fadnavis later said that effects of banning the sale of liquor in Maharashtra needs to be studied first and after taking various aspects into consideration, a decision will be taken.
On the issue of awarding capital punishment for those who indulge in adulteration, Mr Fadnavis said, "the state government will discuss the issue of awarding capital punishment with the Centre for those who indulge in adulteration and make necessary changes in the existing law if possible.