Fake foreign liquor seized in Odisha during Excise raid, three arrested

A major raid has been conducted by the Excise Department in Rourkela, Odisha, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal liquor. The Excise team has confiscated around 180 litres of fake foreign liquor during the operation. In connection with the case, three individuals have been arrested. The accused had allegedly smuggled the counterfeit liquor from the neighbouring state of Jharkhand with the intention of selling it in Odisha. 

This operation has also brought to light how the network of illegal liquor trade is spreading gradually across different areas. The Excise Superintendent has confirmed that further investigation is ongoing, and more leads may emerge in the coming days.

Jhasketan Bariha, an official of the Excise Department, stated, “The three accused were in two cars. The accused has been identified as Mohammed Akhtar, who works at the daily market. Another accused, Pradeep Parida, from Basanti colony, has also been nabbed. The other accused involved is Rajesh Dey, who hails from Sector – 7.”

“The accused were exchanging duplicate liquor placed in the two vehicles when we made an attempt to catch them. We further chased and nabbed them,” he added.

Authorities believe that this may be part of a larger racket operating across state borders.