TV
Berhampur Excide Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi has been placed under suspension after two persons of Chikiti area in the Ganjam district allegedly died due to the consumption of spurious country liquor. The action against Panigrahi came after Odisha Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan ordered his immediate removal from the post.
Similarly, the Excise Inspector Ramesh Chandra Mohanty has been transferred to Koraput and Sub Inspector Prasanna Kumar Dhali has been sent to Dhenkanal.
The minister on Wednesday held discussions with Principal Secretary (Excise) Sushil Kumar Lohani and Excise Commissioner Narasingha Bhol on the hooch tragedy and sought all the details regarding the incident.
At least 23 persons from Moundpur, Jenapur and Karabalua village of Chikiti block had consumed country liquor from a local unlicensed shop on Monday evening. They later fell ill and were admitted to a nearby hospital in the Chikiti area.
As many as 15 victims were later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for better treatment. Of them, two died on Wednesday while 13 are still undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The deceased were identified as Jura Behera and Loknath Behera of Jenapur village in the Chikita area of the district.
The Minister said that the illegal liquor trade in the state is not acceptable and directed the officials to keep strict vigil and conduct raids on illegal liquor manufacturing units and shops across the state. Minister Harichandan directed authorities to make special arrangements for the treatment of those admitted to the hospital after falling ill due to the consumption of spurious liquor.
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So far, eight persons including a woman have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
