Liquor mafias ruling roost in Odisha! BJD role under scanner

Several liquor mafias involved in the illegal trade of liquor have been ruling the roost in Odisha for many years. As a result, the lives of many people consuming liquor from those mafias are at risk. Many illegal liquor units are being busted across the State in raids by the Excise Department.

2 deaths in Ganjam Hooch tragedy

In a recent tragic incident, at least two persons from Jenapur, who consumed spurious liquor, died while undergoing treatment at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. While as many as 15 persons were admitted to different hospitals after consuming spurious liquor from illegal units at Moundpur village in the district, two of them identified as Jura Behera and Loknath Behera passed away.

Family members crestfallen

The family members of the deceased are crestfallen after losing their earning members. They are now helpless on how to earn a living.

“My father consumed liquor with some persons after finishing work. Subsequently, he became critical and was admitted to a medical. We were shocked to know that he was no more. How will we survive now?” asked deceased Jura Behera’s daughter.

“We don’t know whether he died by consuming liquor or he was poisoned. He became critical and was rushed to the hospital. He passed away while undergoing treatment. We are helpless now,” rued deceased Loknath Behera’s elderly mother.

BJD’s role under scanner

A person identified as Rajendra Sahu from Moundpur village was arrested in connection with the spurious liquor deaths. Many local residents are of the opinion that Rajendra was getting the supply of country liquor from another person.

It has been alleged that BJD leader Surendra Mandal is involved in illegal country liquor business in the area. Chikiti MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantaray targeted Mandal in this connection.

“BJD’s senior organiser in Chikiti, Surendra Mandal is directly involved in the illegal country liquor business. The tragic incident happened due to the bad system created by the BJD during their 24-year tenure,” said Dyan Samantaray.

However, Mandal refuted the allegations against him by terming it as baseless.

Moreover, former Minister and BJD leader, Chinmayananda Swaroop Dev’s role in this connection is also under scanner as a photo of him with Mandal has gone viral over various social media platforms.

“All the allegations against me are baseless and politically motivated. An investigation into the incident should be launched to find the real culprit,” said Mandal.

Huge quantity of illicit liquor seized

After the spurious liquor case in Ganjam, many illegal country liquor units have been busted across Odisha following raids by the excise and police Departments.

Nearly 5,000 litres of country-made liquor buried under the soil at Senpatna village under Krushnaprasad block in Puri district was recently destroyed. A huge amount of hooch was seized during a raid near the old Balasore area. Similarly, 550 litres of country liquor was seized while it was being transported from Ganjam to Bhubaneswar. Prime accused Bipin Nahak has been arrested in this connection.

“As per the primary investigation, it has been learnt that the country-made illicit liquor was supplied from Khallikote area to Bhubaneswar. We have seized 550 litres of liquor and two vehicles during the raid. A person has also been arrested in this connection,” said Raj Sekhar Swain, DSP of Excise Department, Bhubaneswar.