Odisha's Kalahandi is facing a crackdown by the excise department to combat the illegal trade of liquor.

The Excise Department of Thuamul Rampur took a strong stance on Saturday against the production and sale of illicit liquor. This crackdown was prompted by a petition submitted by concerned residents to the district administration. The petition highlighted the negative impact that the illegal trade was having on the social and economic well-being of the villages under the Talnagi panchayat in Kalahandi district.

Under the guidance of District Collector Sachin Pawar and the supervision of Excise Superintendent Ranjan Nayak, a joint enforcement team conducted raids in Talnagi, Bahadaghat, Bagbeda, and Purunapadar villages. Their efforts resulted in the seizure of approximately 3,000 kg of fermented mahua and 30 litres of illicit country liquor. In addition, they also destroyed numerous drums and earthen pots used for brewing.

The Excise Department did not take this matter lightly and registered cases against four individuals involved in the illegal liquor trade. One of the main accused, Dhanurjay Harijan from Bahadaghat village, was caught with over 200 litres of country liquor in his possession. Cases were also filed against Sannyasi Harijan, Somnath Harijan, and Satyabhama Bishoyi from Talnagi village.

The decisive action taken by the Excise Department came after a memorandum was submitted to the Kalahandi district collector and sub-collector on Thursday. The locals expressed their distress over the worsening social and economic conditions in the area due to the illegal liquor trade. They also raised concerns about the rise in untimely deaths as a result of this illicit activity.

The Orissa POST, known as Odisha's No.1 English Daily, reported on this significant development. The swift and effective raid carried out by the Excise Department serves as a strong message to those involved in the production and sale of illicit liquor that their actions will not go unpunished. The residents of these villages can now breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the authorities are taking steps to improve their living conditions and protect their well-being.