Adulterated toddy turns out to be killer silent pandemic
HYDERABAD: A dulterated toddy is a silent pandemic killing many across Telangana, say police, warning that over 95% of toddy sold in the state is laced with dangerous sedatives such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).While Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda barely have any toddy trees, they are still home to more than 200 toddy shops. Even in districts such as Mahabubnagar, Medak, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Adilabad, and Kamareddy toddy shops outnumber toddy trees, pointing to widespread adulteration and unchecked sale of spiked toddy, official said.Fewer trees, but shops galore
According to officials, there are over 5,000 toddy shops in the state and many have licences only for toddy tapping, but not for making or selling.Calling for immediate action, police said selling toddy laced with benzodiazepines is no less serious than trafficking narcotics as the NDPS...
