Kerala man commits suicide as liquor vends shut in state

A 37-year-old man in Kerala's Thrissur district committed suicide as liquor vends in the state were shut since Wednesday amid a nation-wide lockdown. He was reportedly restless for the past two days ever since the government had decided to close down all retail liquor vends in the state.

Thrissur (Kerala):With liquor vends in Kerala shut since Wednesday amid a national lockdown, a 37-year-old man allegedly committed suicide at his home in Thrissur district on Friday due to unavailability of liquor.

Sanoj, said his family, was restless for the past two days ever since the Kerala government, following pressure from several quarters, decided to close down all retail liquor vends in the state from Wednesday.

Local Self-Government Minister AC Moideen, who hails from the district, said that all steps will be taken to ensure counselling for the needy.

Kerala Excise Department has announced that de-addiction and counselling centres will give free services to persons suffering from physical or mental stress due to non-availability of alcoholic drinks.

This service can also be availed by calling the Excise Department's toll-free number 14405.

The Excise Department has set up one de-addiction centre in one taluk hospital in each district to provide free treatment and counselling services.

(IANS Report)