Over Rs 330 crore seized by the IT department from liquor traders in Odisha has grabbed the media limelight across the country. Many questions have cropped up over the biggest cash haul. Did Baldeo Sahu and Sons earn such huge money from country liquor sales? Is it possible for liquor makers to earn so big from liquor sales alone from western Odisha? Or do liquor makers adopt illegal means?
As per reports, country liquor manufacturing has been going on in Bolangir for decades while Badeo Sahu & Sons has over 100 country liquor units. Many wonder as to why the liquor-making license was being renewed in the name of one person over the years.
According to former excise official, Sudarshan Nayak, since 1995, the state government due to its liquor policy is not holding auctions for liquor shops, manufacturing units, and breweries. In such cases, licenses are only renewed. As per the provision in the liquor policy, auctions are being held for the opening of new shops and breweries only. Taking advantage of the loopholes in the policy, major country liquor companies like Baldev Sahu and Sons are expanding their liquor empire.
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As per the National Family Health Survey, about 30.2 percent of people in rural areas of Odisha consume liquor while the majority of them prefer country liquor. There are 551 country liquor-making units in 22 districts of Odisha. There are allegations that unscrupulous traders resort to adulteration or take to unhealthy practices. For quick fermentation of the brew, many traders add chemicals. Besides, routine examination of the liquor manufacturing is not done by the excise department.
Odisha Excise Commissioner said that the department's investigation has started against Baldev Sahu and Sons while other liquor-making units are also being probed.