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HASSAN: A 27-year-old man, desperate for a drink, broke into a bar in Hassan early on Thursday, got sloshed and passed out on the premises. He woke up to a terrible hangover — and police waiting to arrest him.

He was identified as rowdysheeter Rohith from Vallibhai Road area.

Liquor shops and bars, like other non-essential businesses, have been ordered to stay shut during the lockdown. Many have reported break-ins in the past few weeks as tipplers struggle with withdrawal symptoms and depression. This has become a headache for the state government, which is battling one of the worst public health crises.

According to police, Rohith was a regular patron at the bar. Early on Thursday, he climbed an adjoining compound wall and clambered onto the bar’s roof. He gained access by removing its terracotta tiles. The place was apparently well-stocked and he decided to drink there itself.

Guards posted outside didn’t notice a thing initially, but a few hours later, they spotted Rohith’s slippers near the compound wall and followed the trail. He was found asleep inside the bar.

SP R Srinivas Gowda said the incident happened under Pension Mohalla police limits.

