Kochi: Kerala, which is notorious for its drinking problem, witnessed two suicides within a span of few days since the lockdown began. Both the deceased were alcoholics and both died due to the non availability of liquor. All the government beverages and bars are shut now due to the lockdown.
Today, Ambamedu resident, Murali, took the extreme step of ending his life after he could not buy liquor. He was showing signs of restlessness since morning before he took his own life. Earlier, a Thrissur resident, Sanoj, had committed suicide. He too was restless for a few days as alcohol deprivation took a toll of his mind.
It has been four days since government beverage outlets and bars are closed in the state due to the lockdown. At first the government was reluctant to close down the sale of liquor as it is one of the primary sources of revenue for the state.
However, the public began criticizing the government for not shutting down the outlets as preventive measures to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Finally, after the Prime Minister ordered complete lockdown of the country, the state government came around and decided to shut down the beverages too.
Kerala is facing a huge drinking problem and the government is reluctant to manage the free flow of liquor because it is one of the major sources of income.
