Visakhapatnam: Belt Shops Boom, Officials Accused of Bribe-Fueled Collusion

• Visakhapatnam district sees over 500 unofficial belt shops operating, significantly outnumbering 169 official wine shops, making liquor easily accessible everywhere.
• Excise Department officials are accused of colluding with wine shop operators and promoting belt shops, allegedly due to bribes, despite state government orders to control them.
• The new liquor policy, which brought private wine shops, also led to a surge in belt shops; officials reportedly suggested them as a way for operators to earn additional income.
• Ruling party leaders and Excise officials are allegedly involved in operating belt shops, with reports of auctions collecting Rs. 3-7 lakh per shop, 25% of which goes to the Excise Department.
• Belt shops sell liquor at Rs. 20-50 above MRP, impacting public health and families, while officials are criticized for targeting only small traders and ignoring those with backing.

Why It Matters: Widespread illegal belt shops thrive in Visakhapatnam due to alleged official corruption and collusion.