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Even though the Odisha government has laws on opening and operation of liquor shops in the State, gross violation of the policy framed by the government has been reported in Bhadrak district.
According to an RTI report, many liquor shops are blatantly violating the norms set by the Excise department.
In a glaring instance, the Dosinga Foreign Liquor Off shop in the district is reportedly owned by Sarat Nag Raul and has been set up on plot number-239. However, as per the RTI report, the type of the plot is ‘Jalasaya’ (Waterbody).
The excise policy clearly mentions that licenses cannot be granted to open a liquor shop on ‘Jalasaya kisama’ land. But, the setting up of the FL-off shop on the restricted area has raised eyebrows of many.
Moreover, several liquor shops are located few meters away from the schools. Though the locals have been long demanding the closure or shifting of these liquor shops, all their cries have fallen on deaf ears.
“Students are facing many problems as a couple of liquor shops are operating near the schools. The girl students in particular are misbehaved and even lewd comments are passed on to them,” NK Debasharma, a local alleged.
Similarly, the doubtful operation of a liquor shop in Dolasahi area in Tihidi block has raised questions in the locality. As per the records, plot- 2505/2919 which has been allotted for the shop is of ‘Ghara Bari’ (Homestead) type but the land has no record on the ‘Khatian’ (Record).
“We have been demanding to shift two liquors shops which are located close to Dosinga and Koithkola schools. The opening of liquor shops near the schools is a gross violation of excise policy,” alleged RTI activist Himansu Nayak.
With several irregularities coming to fore, denizens have raised serious question on how Excise department granted licenses without verifying necessary documents.
When asked the Excise Superintendent of Bhadrak, Pradipta Das said, "The licenses were granted during the former superintendent’s tenure."
“We provide license after all required documents verified thoroughly by designated officials. I will inquire into the allegations and take necessary action,” said Das.
