Palamu News: Liquor Shop Removed from Belwatika Chowk After Public Protest, Residents Express Relief

Medininagar (Palamu), September 22, 2025: The liquor shop located at Belwatika Chowk in Medininagar was finally removed following continuous protests from local residents, women, and social organizations. The decision brought visible relief to the community, with people distributing sweets and expressing gratitude towards Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, the district administration, and the media for their intervention.

Women and Social Groups Led the Protest Against Liquor Shop in Palamu

Soon after the liquor shop opened at Belwatika Chowk, women from nearby localities and several social organizations began raising objections. According to residents, the presence of the liquor outlet in the middle of a busy square was creating an unsafe environment. Locals alleged that the shop attracted anti-social elements, leading to regular disturbances on the road.

Residents Alleged Violation of Licensing Rules

Residents of the area claimed that the shop owner had originally obtained a license for operating on Station Road. However, ignoring licensing norms, the outlet was set up directly at Belwatika Chowk. Locals began opposing the move even a day before the shop formally opened. Complaints were submitted to the Excise Superintendent, the Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), the Deputy Commissioner (DC), and Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore, highlighting the violations and public inconvenience.

Public Efforts Resulted in Closure of Belwatika Chowk Liquor Shop

After weeks of continued protest and formal complaints, authorities intervened, leading to the removal of the liquor shop from Belwatika Chowk. The move was welcomed by residents, who celebrated the outcome and termed it a victory for collective community action in Palamu.

Key Participants in the Protest

The protest campaign was actively led by Sharmila Verma, Secretary of Vardan Charitable Trust. Alongside her, several prominent local figures including Manju Chandra, Ragini Verma, Kausar Parveen, Sushma Agrawal, Bablu Chawla, Gunjan Agrawal, Pradeep Singh, and Laddu Khan participated in the movement. Their coordinated efforts played a significant role in ensuring the liquor shop’s removal.