Indore Road Blockade Over Liquor Shop Enter Fourth Hour

Residents of Malwa Mill area refuse to budge, cook food on street as police watch silently

A massive road blockade by residents of Indore's Malwa Mill area entered its fourth hour on Wednesday, with protesters refusing to allow a proposed liquor shop to open in their neighbourhood. Women and children sat on chairs placed across the road, while some residents set up stoves to cook poha, signalling their resolve to continue the agitation indefinitely.

Heavy Police Deployment

Considering the volatile situation, the administration rushed heavy police force to the spot. Officers maintained a visible presence throughout Wednesday, though no arrests have been reported so far. Excise department officials also arrived at the location but remained unable to offer any resolution regarding the shop's fate.

Residents Refuse to Back Down

Local residents made it clear they would not allow the liquor shop to operate under any circumstances. The shop, according to people living in the area, was being shifted from another locality to Malwa Mill. This move has triggered widespread anger among families who call this a purely residential zone.

"We have school children passing through here daily. The atmosphere will be completely spoiled," said Shalu, a resident. She added that people who consume alcohol cannot be considered good influence on the neighbourhood's youth.

BJP Corporator Joins Protesters

BJP corporator and MIC member Nandu Pahadia arrived at the protest site with 20-25 supporters. He spoke to the agitated residents and appeared to endorse their demands. His presence has added political weight to the agitation, though no official statement from the corporation has been issued yet.

Similar Opposition Three Years Ago

This is not the first time residents have fought against a liquor shop in this area. According to Anuradha Jain, another local resident, a similar commotion had taken place in 2022. "They made all preparations overnight to open the shop again. How is this possible after what happened three years ago?" she asked.

Jain also pointed out that four other liquor shops already exist within a 600-metre radius, near Malwa Mill, Charak Hospital and other locations. "This would be the fifth shop at such a short distance. This cannot be right," she added.

Bhopal Erupts in Bhajan-Kirtan Protests

Meanwhile, the protests have spread to Bhopal, where residents have adopted unique methods to express their displeasure. At Avadhpuri's Rishipuram area, locals recited Sundarkand on Tuesday night. In Semrakalan, bhajan-kirtan sessions have begun, with people setting up tents near the contested shop.

Residents of Vijay Nagar Sairam Colony in Semrakalan have been demanding the shifting of their local liquor shop for over a year. They have also raised the matter during the 54th public hearing held every Tuesday at the Collectorate, but no action has followed.

Criminal Incidents on the Rise

Kamlesh Solanki, a resident of Avadhpuri, alleged that anti-social elements gather around the existing liquor shop regularly. "Incidents of molestation have been reported when women pass through this area. Fights and other crimes have increased. Common people are finding it difficult to live here peacefully," he said.

On Kolar Road's Mandakini Square, protesters point out that a liquor shop has opened right behind a Jain temple. The shop was earlier located in the Sarvadharma area before being shifted to its current location, triggering fresh outrage among devotees and families living nearby.

What Next

No decision has been announced by the administration as of Wednesday evening. Residents have made it clear that the blockade and other forms of protest will continue until the shop's location is changed. Police have prevented protesters from setting up tents in Indore, but the agitation shows no signs of slowing down. Excise officials remain on the spot, though sources indicate a resolution may take more time.