Rajkot : Saurashtra University is facing another controversy following allegations of a country liquor brewery operating within its campus. While a police complaint suggests the brewery is located on university grounds, authorities have clarified that it is situated 100 meters away, in a nearby slum area. The incident has reignited concerns about illegal activities and substance abuse around the university.
Saurashtra University, already under scrutiny for a previous incident involving marijuana, finds itself in the spotlight again after a police report suggested the presence of a country liquor brewery on its campus. The police seized 32 liters of country liquor and 240 liters of yeast from the site, leading to a public outcry. However, university officials have denied the claims, stating that the location of the brewery is outside their campus boundary, about 100 meters away in a nearby slum.
The controversy escalated when a Google location of the brewery’s spot was shared on social media by university officials, refuting the claims of the police complaint. “There is no such room or brewery on the university premises,” stated the Vice-Chancellor of Saurashtra University. He emphasized that the alleged brewery was discovered in a slum area adjacent to the athletic ground, not within the university’s educational boundaries.
Bootlegger Identified
According to sources, the brewery was being operated by a notorious bootlegger named Ankit, known for his involvement in the illegal liquor trade. The police report indicated that the brewing setup was located near the university’s athletic grounds, causing confusion about its exact placement. Ankit, who allegedly ran the operation, remains at large as authorities continue their investigation.
Campus Reputation Under Fire
This latest incident has further damaged the reputation of Saurashtra University, which had already been tarnished by earlier discoveries of marijuana plants and frequent reports of drunken gatherings within the campus. Many have questioned the university’s ability to maintain a secure and drug-free environment. Critics are raising concerns about why such illicit activities seem to repeatedly surface within an institution of higher learning.
Public Outcry and Response
The public, especially students and parents, are outraged by the recurring issues related to drug and alcohol abuse at the university. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration. “Is this a place of education or a center of drug addiction?” read one comment, while others questioned how such activities could go unnoticed for so long within a prominent educational institution.
“How can a bootlegger run a brewery so close to a university, and why hasn’t the system detected these activities sooner?” asked a concerned parent.
In response, the university administration has reiterated its commitment to keeping the campus safe and secure. “We are working closely with local authorities to ensure that no illegal activities are occurring on our premises. The university should not be blamed for what happens outside its boundaries,” said a university spokesperson.
Police Investigation
The police have registered a case and are continuing to investigate the matter, with a focus on tracking down the bootlegger responsible for the brewery. The involvement of notorious criminals like Ankit has raised concerns about the presence of organized crime in the area surrounding the university.
Authorities are also probing how illegal activities, including the brewing of country liquor, could have gone unnoticed in such proximity to an educational institution. As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are examining whether there have been any lapses in campus security and what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.