By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Amid a controversy over the recent launch of Trikal whiskey by Radico Khaitan, the Uttarakhand government on Tuesday said it has imposed a ban on the sale of this brand which has hurt religious sentiments.
The controversy arose on the social media after the name of the new brand was titled Trikal which is also the name of the top Hindu God Lord Shiva with many leaders of Hindu organizations like VHP criticizing the move.
The State Excise Commissioner Harichandra Semwal said the liquor brand named Trikal has neither been allowed to be manufactured in the state, nor has any approval been granted for registration or sale.
Noting that “Trikal” has been launched in other states by Radico Khaitan, Semwal denied any suggestion on the social media that the whiskey was being manufactured in Uttarakhand. “No such brand has been allowed to be manufactured in the state, nor has any approval been granted for registration or sale,” Semwal said.
These news stories are completely false, misleading and hurt the religious, cultural and social sentiments of the state, Semwal said. “It is the duty of every citizen and institution to respect the religious dignity and Sanatan culture of Uttarakhand, which is known as “Devbhoomi”. No such brand or product will be allowed to be sold on this holy land which is associated with names similar to gods and goddesses or religious concepts and which hurts the religious sentiments of the people of the state, he said.