Barabanki binges on liquor float in brimming canal

FAIZABAD: Hundreds of whisky bottles were found afloat in the brimming Sharda canal in Barabanki on Saturday, triggering binge-drinking on the banks with villagers diving into the gushing waters for a quick pick. While tipplers made merry and a mad scramble ensued to stockpile booze, some villagers tipped off the police.
Cops rushed to the canal site and seized the liquor bottles and launched a massive searched operation to recover booze hidden away by locals.Barabanki additional SP Ashok Kumar quickly pressed the alarm bells and alerted villagers that it could be bottled hooch.
Talking to TOI, Barabanki additional SP Ashok Kumar, said, “We have alerted villagers not to consume the liquor as it could be illicitly distilled and result in a hooch deaths. We are investigating how the liquor bottles entered the canal. The bottles were filled with whisky and sealed, but it’s difficult to tell whether the liquor was branded or locally brewed.”
The incident took place at Zaidpur in Barabanki district, where a bypoll is scheduled next month. Police, however, parried queries whether liquor bottles were set afloat to oblige voters as this was the easiest and safest way to beat administrative vigil. “It’s difficult to comment on this. But, we are investigating the incident,” he said.