Odisha’s Action Against Illegal Liquor Trade
In a decisive move to address the growing menace of illegal liquor trade in Odisha, State Excise Minister Shri Prithviraj Harichandan has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue head-on. This comes in response to the tragic Chikiti Hooch incident in Ganjam district, where illicit liquor consumption led to several fatalities.
RDC Probe into Chikiti Hooch Tragedy
Minister Harichandan has announced that the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) will conduct a thorough investigation into the Chikiti Hooch Tragedy. “The Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, will soon issue an order to initiate the probe, with a detailed report expected within two months,” Harichandan stated. This probe aims to uncover the depth of the illegal liquor network and hold accountable those responsible for the tragedy.
Intensified Raids and Factory Closures
In response to the rampant illegal liquor trade, the Excise Department has intensified its operations across the state. Minister Harichandan reported that between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning alone, a total of 203 cases were registered, resulting in 117 arrests. These arrests pertain to the illegal manufacturing and distribution of country liquor without proper licenses.
“To date, we have identified 217 illicit country liquor factories,” Harichandan informed. “All of these illegal factories will be demolished, and a directive has already been issued by the Excise Department.” The Minister emphasized that the state government’s goal is to completely eradicate illegal liquor production within a year.
Administrative Actions and Personnel Changes
In the wake of the Chikiti incident, significant administrative actions have been taken. Berhampur Excise Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi has been suspended, and Excise Inspector Ramesh Chandra Mohanty and Sub Inspector Prasanna Kumar Dhali have received transfer orders. These actions reflect the government’s commitment to accountability and reform within the Excise Department.
Crackdown on Spurious Liquor
The ongoing crackdown on illegal liquor trade has already yielded substantial results. As of Tuesday evening, approximately 7,274 litres of illegal liquor have been seized, including 385 litres from Ganjam district alone. Additionally, 72 people have been arrested in various parts of the state. Harichandan has assured that efforts will be further intensified, with stricter actions planned against those involved in the illegal trade.
Future Strategies and Goals
Minister Harichandan’s strategic approach includes not only immediate enforcement actions but also long-term plans to dismantle the illegal liquor network. The government aims to:
- Strengthen Surveillance and Enforcement: Increased raids and inspections will continue to target illicit liquor operations.
- Enhance Coordination: Collaboration between different departments and local authorities will be vital in disrupting illegal networks.
- Community Engagement: Raising awareness and engaging communities in reporting illegal activities will support the crackdown efforts.
Conclusion
Minister Prithviraj Harichandan’s proactive strategy and decisive actions mark a significant step towards combating the illegal liquor trade in Odisha. With the RDC probe into the Chikiti Hooch Tragedy, intensified raids, factory closures, and administrative changes, the state government is demonstrating its commitment to addressing this critical issue. The coming months will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of these measures and achieving the goal of a permanent closure of illegal liquor operations in the state.
For real-time updates and more information on the state’s efforts to combat illegal liquor trade, stay tuned to AMFNEWS.
amfnews