Number of cases increasing in Kochi; What is the reason?

KOCHI: Kochi reports the highest number of intoxication cases in Kerala. Even as the cases are increasing day by day in the metro city, there are not enough officials to carry out proper inspections. Drug dealers are ruling freely because of this. The reason is that there are not enough personnel in Excise's range offices and circles.

The reason for the current crisis is that officers have been posted on special duty by the Excise Commissioner. The main tasks of the Excise Offices are raids related to liquor, drugs etc., taking classes in schools as part of the Vimukthi scheme, filing charge sheets in courts and producing previous cases in courts for trial. Two people should do guard duty regularly. Currently, the excise offices in Kochi are understaffed.

13 officers have been appointed in Kochi City Excise Circle Office but currently there are only seven officers. Two people are on special duty. The circle has 10 courts. 20 officials have been appointed in Mattancherry Excise Office but only 10 people are coming. Seven people have gone on special duty from here. Due to this, there is not enough staff to perform even the daily tasks.