Ernakulam: A case has been registered by the police against employees of a Bevco (Beverages Corporation) shop in Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam, for allegedly providing alcohol to minors in violation of regulations prohibiting the sale of alcohol to individuals under the age of 18. This development comes in the wake of a distressing incident that took place on August 25 when a group of schoolchildren were captured on video consuming alcohol on the banks of a river, the footage of which subsequently went viral on social media.
The incident in question unfolded after a school Onam celebration, when a group of students gathered by the river to partake in the consumption of alcohol. Alarmed by the footage showing underage individuals under the influence, the police initiated an investigation into the matter.
Based on the video evidence, law enforcement authorities were able to identify and interrogate some of the students involved in the incident. These interviews led to revelations that fellow classmates had supplied them with alcohol. Further probing into the matter revealed that the liquor had been purchased from the Muvattupuzha Beverage Shop.
Under the Abkari rules, it is explicitly stated that alcohol should not be served or sold to individuals under the age of 18. In response to the allegations, the shop staff reportedly denied providing alcohol to minors. As part of their ongoing investigation, the police are scrutinising CCTV footage from the area to ascertain the details surrounding the incident.
Additionally, authorities are also looking into the possibility of intermediaries or middlemen who may have played a role in facilitating the distribution of alcohol to the underage individuals.
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