Akluj / Solapur / Maharashtra : Despite the strong pledge by MLA Uttam Jankar to shut down all illegal businesses in Malshiras taluka, gutkha sales and matka gambling have quietly resumed within a week, drawing sharp criticism from citizens. Residents taunted authorities saying, “The MLA promised a ban, but the underworld seems to have overpowered everyone.”
The long awaited public meeting in Malshiras, held on May 26, 2025, at the Akshata Mangal Karyalay after nearly fifteen years, witnessed heated exchanges. MLAs Uttam Jankar, Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil, Abhijit Patil, and MP were present. Locals expressed strong anger against officials, with allegations of bribery and extortion flying thick. While some officials faced suspension resolutions, others were sternly warned.
During the meeting, MLA Uttam Jankar lashed out at police officers from all four stations in the taluka, demanding a complete shutdown of illegal liquor brewing, gutkha sales, and matka gambling within four days. He had earlier raised the issue even in the Assembly, accusing police officials in Velapur of protecting the illegal trade. Following his intervention, gutkha and matka briefly stopped for 7–8 days, though illicit liquor brewing continued in secret.
Now, however, the illegal businesses are once again thriving. Despite repeated assurances and even plans to submit a memorandum to the District Collector, the process stalled as the post remains vacant.
At present, locals believe the illegal trade operators hold more influence than elected representatives and the police.
MLA Uttam Jankar reiterated, “We are firm on our stand that illegal businesses must end. Though they continue in Malshiras taluka, once the District Collector is appointed, we will pursue the matter strongly.”
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