Huge quantity of country liquor seized in Bhubaneswar’s Salia Sahi, 9 arrested

The Excise Department officials conducted a raid in Salia Sahi in Bhubaneswar, targeting illegal country liquor dens on Friday. Acting on a tip-off, the team carried out the search operation in the area early on Friday and seized a large quantity of country liquor and raw materials.

The authorities destroyed the confiscated liquor on the spot. Till the last report came in, the raid was still underway.

“I set up the unit several days ago. Six to seven people have also set up their local liquor unit. I earn Rs 1000-1200 daily. I had a grocery shop earlier,” said Laxmi Birua, owner of the liquor den.

Excise superintendent Debasis Patel said, “In view of Holi, we have intensified our crackdown. As part of the drive, we carried out a raid in Salia Sahi and seized around 1000 liters of liquor. We have arrested nine persons so far.”

“A team of 25 Excise Department officials is carrying out the raid. There are several habitual offenders, and we are keeping a vigil on them,” Patel informed.

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Previous Raids:

Three months ago, a joint operation by the Excise Department and Commissionerate Police led to a massive raid in Salia Sahi, shutting down nearly six illegal liquor units. Thousands of liters of country liquor were destroyed, and multiple individuals were arrested.

Despite these efforts, reports of illegal liquor activities resurfaced, prompting today’s operation. The authorities are determined to curb the illicit liquor trade and ensure strict action against offenders.