Liquor traders accuse Laxmipur MLA of extortion

In a dramatic turn of events, MLA Pabitra Saunta from Laxmipur constituency in Koraput district got embroiled in a controversy as some liquor traders accused him of extortionate practices against local liquor establishments. 

The allegations, amplified by a formal petition to the district collector's office, suggest that the MLA has been coercing traders into providing substantial monetary payments.

Allegations and Denials

According to the liquor traders, these demands are accompanied by threats of intimidation, undermining the business operations within the Dashmantpur, Narayanpatna, Laxmipur, and Bandhugaon blocks in the district.

Several traders have reportedly stepped forward to claim that they are facing undue pressure from MLA Saunta, who allegedly demands Rs 1 lakh from each liquor trader on a monthly basis.

Must Read: Illegal liquor unit under guise of bottled water plant, busted in Bhubaneswar; 4 arrested

"The liquor traders in the Laxmipur area have a valid license. However, MLA Pabitra Saunta is demanding Rs 1 lakh to 2 lakh to each liquor unit on a monthly basis. When they refuse to give the amount, the MLA, along with his associates, use abusive language and lock up the units. We have lodged a complaint in this regard before the district Collector," said Narayan Bisoyi, a liquor trader.

In response to these accusations, MLA Saunta has firmly denied any illicit conduct. 

Meanwhile, with support from local people, MLA Saunta reportedly cracked down on some liquor manufacturing units by alleging that liquor is being prepared illegally.

"Based on the allegations by the local people, we visited some liquor manufacturing units and found that spurious liquor is being prepared illegally. It could be hazardous to human lives," said MLA Saunta.

In response, former Laxmipur MLA, Kailash Kulesika, slammed Saunta for taking the law into own hands.

"It is quite unfortunate that MLA Pabitra Saunta, with his associates, have locked some liquor units in Laxmipur. Even a Minister can't lock the liquor units with valid license. Only the concerned department has the authority to do so. The MLA has taken the law into own hands and the people of Laxmipur will decide about it," said Kulesika.

Ongoing Tensions

The situation in Laxmipur remains tense, with the conflict between the MLA and the liquor traders escalating. As both sides prepare to dig in their heels, citizens watch closely, concerned about how this dispute may affect the local economy and governance.