Holi 2020: Party lovers caught between coronavirus scare and city police

The increasing coronavirus scare across the country means fewer people may travel outside the state to their preferred destinations-Udaipur and Mount Abu-to party this Holi. This has put the police on their toes, as they expect rise in liquor parties within the district. Result: In a bid to prevent illegal entry of liquor into Ahmedabad, they have started a drive to check vehicles, just like they do ahead of the new year. They are also checking places that could host rave parties. With the fresh crackdown, the prices of popular liquor brands have shot up.

According to sources, maximum parties are hosted in farmhouses in areas like Sanand, Kanbha, Bopal, and Aslali among others. Commenting on the development, Superintendent of Police, Ahmedabad (Rural), Rajendra Asari said, "We have implemented the 31st December's action plan to prevent any unwanted incidents. This also includes ensuring there are no illegal parties."

Asari added, "Our special operations group (SOG), local crime branch (LCB) and absconder team are on alert and we have begun the drive to trace suspected cases." He added that they have sounded the respective area police stations to keep a close watch at farmhouses in their areas.

Booze prices go up

Strict policing has hit availability and sale of illegal liquor in the city. According to reliable sources, there is shortage of popular liquor brands which are usually in demand during festive times. Additionally, due to the supply shortage, price of liquor of certain brands has risen twice to thrice the actual cost.

"Glenfiddich and Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky of 12-year-old 750 ml bottle usually costs between Rs 5,500 and Rs 6,000. But when you buy it from a bootlegger, it may cost Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000," said a source in the police department. Scotch whisky brands like Black Dog and Black Reserve cost between Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,000 for a 750 ml bottle while the Teachers '50' costs between Rs 1,400 and Rs 2,300. However, currently they are being sold for Rs 3000 and above in the illegal market, he added.

A group of youngsters, requesting anonymity, said, "Since drinking liquor is illegal in Gujarat, we usually prefer to party in Udaipur as it is the nearest destination for us. However, because of the coronavirus scare, we don't want to take a risk. At the same time, with such strict checking in Ahmedabad district and in areas where the farmhouses are located, we do not want to get into any trouble."