August 22nd 2024.
In response to the opposition BJD's demand, Odisha's Excise Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, has announced that the government will be taking strict action against the illegal liquor trade in the state. This comes after the recent deaths caused by the consumption of illicit country liquor in Ganjam district, where two people died and 13 others were hospitalized.
Harichandan confirmed that the government has identified 217 illegal liquor joints and plans to demolish them using bulldozers. He also visited the injured victims at the MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur and assured them that the Chief Minister has announced free treatment for all those affected.
The opposition BJD has been demanding Harichandan's resignation, blaming him for the failure to control the spread of illegal liquor joints in the state. This issue was raised in the Odisha Assembly for two consecutive days, causing disruptions in the proceedings. The minister has assured that the state government is committed to stopping all illegal liquor trade and has directed officials to conduct raids and maintain strict vigilance.
In response to the BJD's demand, the minister announced that a revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) probe will be conducted into the liquor deaths in Ganjam district and a report will be submitted within two months. He also informed that the state has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illicit liquor and has suspended and transferred officials responsible for the incident.
Meanwhile, a fact-finding team from the BJD visited the affected area and met with the families of the deceased and injured victims. The team also inquired about the treatment being provided and donated Rs 1 lakh to each family for funeral expenses. The excise department, with the help of forest and police officials, has arrested eight people so far in connection with the incident.
The local people have alleged that the illegal liquor was being brewed in a forest and sold in nearby areas, with bootleggers using harmful substances like pesticides and battery powder. To tackle this issue, the excise department has launched a seven-day drive to crack down on the sale of illicit liquor in the state. A total of 203 cases have been registered and 117 people have been arrested for manufacturing and selling country liquor without licenses. The state government has also instructed officials to increase enforcement against illegal liquor trade.
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