The Odisha government has announced a major crackdown on illegal country-liquor manufacturing units. Excise Minister Prithwiraj Harichandan revealed on Thursday that the government plans to demolish all such unauthorized operations and is considering a high-level inquiry into a recent hooch tragedy in Chikiti.
Following the deaths of two people from consuming spurious liquor in Ganjam, local officials have faced consequences. Berhampur division superintendent Pradip Panigrahi has been suspended, while excise inspector Ramesh Chandra Mohanty has been transferred, and sub-inspector Prasanna Kumar Dhali has been reassigned.
Minister Harichandan stated that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will soon decide on an RDC-level probe into the Chikiti incident, with a report expected within two months. The government has already begun raids on illegal liquor units across the state, identifying 217 such operations, arresting 117 individuals, and destroying illegal alcohol. The next step will be to demolish these units with bulldozers.
Harichandan emphasized that there will be no leniency towards those involved in illegal liquor activities, reaffirming his commitment to dismantle these operations within a year.
