Belgaum: State Excise Minister M.Renukacharya was assaulted by unruly elements engaged in liquor production illegally at Karavi Gudda (hill) area, when he raided the place. The minister was injured in the melee, and excise inpector Nayak was hurt badly.
The minister heard that illegal liquor production was being done on the hill since 1975, and he took a team of senior police officers and excise personnel to the place, early morning today. Media persons were also in company. But hundreds of liquor manufacturers got wind of the raids and indulged in pelting stones and hitting with deadly weapons. Obviously, the charging police opened 3 rounds of fire, raising tension in the region. Minister would not yield until the miscreants were arrested.