Maha govt to shut toddy shops in Mumbai owing to adulteration

Alarmed at the use of pharmaceutical drugs like Chloral Hydrate and Alprazolam in toddy sold across 250-odd shops in the city, the Maharashtra Excise department has decided to shut them down permanently.

Excise minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has decided to allow sale of toddy only where it is produced in view of the health hazards.

Chloral Hydrate is used as sedative and hypnotic drug to treat sleep disorders. Its side effects include severe liver or kidney disorders, heart problems, stomach inflammation.

While Alprazolam is used in treating panic and anxiety disorders. Its side effects include dryness of mouth, slurred speech, urinary retention, drowsiness and aggressive behavior.