TV
The death toll in Chikiti spurious country-made liquor case rose to two after one more person died on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at MKCG in Berhampur. The deceased has been identified as Lokanath Behera.
Over 15 people from Karbala and Jenasahi villages fell ill after consuming country liquor sold near Moundpur on Monday. They were first admitted to Chikiti Hospital after they experienced stomach ache and vomiting and later shifted to MKCG.
Meanwhile, politics is now active over the Ganjam Hooch tragedy. Pandemonium was also witnessed in the Odisha Assembly over the issue. The Opposition BJD members created a ruckus demanding a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) probe into the incident.
However, the Chikiti MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantara alleged that the liquor trade flourished for years under BJD’s patronage.
Also Read: Odisha 'hooch' tragedy: 1 Dies, 2 Critical; 11 still under treatment at MKCG Berhampur
“Those who have been arrested have been associated with BJD for the last 24 years. The persons, who have been affected, have given statements in the media that they have been consuming the liquor from the same. It seems that there is some BJD link and it seems that a conspiracy has started to defame the Odisha government. We want a detailed investigation into the matter.”
Opposition chief whip, Pramila Malik said, “The BJP government had said that it would make Odisha liquor free. This incident clearly shows their intent. We have demanded an RDC probe in the Assembly. They (BJP) should inform what investigation has been done and a report should be presented as to why spurious liquor was sold.”
Meanwhile, in a stern action taken by the Odisha government, Berhampur Excise Superintendent was suspended as per the order by Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Wednesday.
