Lucknow: Tensions flared in the Vikas Nagar area of Lucknow after news spread about the opening of a new retail wine shop in Lekhraj Panna Market. Local traders and residents staged a protest, alleging that the outlet violates regulations by being located close to a temple.
According to reports, the wine shop is set to begin operations from Wednesday evening in the Vikas Nagar police station limits. As soon as the information reached the local business community, strong opposition emerged, with traders expressing concern over the shop’s proximity to a place of worship and the busy marketplace frequented by women and families.
The protest was led by Sunil Pandey, President of the Vikas Nagar Adarsh Vyapar Mandal. Demonstrators gathered in the market area, raising slogans and demanding immediate intervention from the authorities to halt the opening of the liquor outlet.
Pandey stated that the shop is being opened in clear violation of norms, as a temple is located nearby and the market witnesses heavy daily footfall, including women traders and customers. “This decision is not appropriate for the social environment of the area,” he said.
The traders’ body has also escalated the matter to higher authorities. Information regarding the alleged violation has been shared with the Additional District Magistrate (Trans Gomti) and other concerned officials by Sanjay Gupta, the state president of the traders’ organization.
The Vyapar Mandal has announced that a delegation will meet the District Magistrate on Thursday to submit a memorandum, demanding closure of the shop.
Several prominent members of the traders’ association, including Mohammad Furqan, Dr. Gautam Sahni, Dr. Manish Saxena, Mohammad Faisal, Dr. Swati Gupta, Advocate Rajeev Tiwari, and others, participated in the protest along with a large number of local traders.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
