Mumbai:Social activist Anna Hazare today asked the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reconsider the state government’s decision to increase the quota of liquor bottles which could be stored by permit holders, saying its abuse could be the reason for incidents like the recent Kopardi gang-rape and murder.

“I am surprised that a CM like you who does not have any vices has allowed such a decision to be taken,” Hazare wrote in a letter to Fadnavis.

Hazare reminded Fadnavis that he (Hazare) had organised an agitation during 2001-09 on the issue of maximum permissible liquor stock allowed to be stored by permit holders.

“In 2009, we had pointed out to the then CM that while some other states allow only three litres to be stored, why should Maharashtra allow 12 bottles to be stored,” he said.

“The Kopardi rape (where a minor girl was gangraped and murdered brutally by three men) which has put humanity to shame, could be a result of liquor consumption,” Hazare said.

Hazare’s statement came against the backdrop of the recent Excise Department decision which says the liquor permit holders can keep 48 beer bottles of 650ml each at home or 24 wine bottles (750ml) or 16 hard liquor bottles (750 ml) per month.

PTI