Odisha hooch Tragedy: Illegal liquor units to be bulldozed, says Minister

The government is going to launch a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC)-level probe into the Chikiti Hooch Tragedy, said Odisha Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Thursday. 

“In a day or two, the Chief Minister is going to take a decision to institute an RDC-level inquiry into the hooch tragedy.  He will give his report within two months. The steps if any recommended in the report will be taken,” said Minister Harichandan. 

“The government is taking a tough stand to check illegal liquor selling. The process of carrying out raids across the state started on August 20. A total of 217 illegal liquor units (bhati) have been identified. Raids are being conducted on them. So far, 117 persons have been arrested. Besides, the fermented alcohol (pocha) is also being destroyed. In the next phase, the identified illegal units will be razed down with bulldozers,” said Minister Harichandan. 

Also Read: Odisha hooch tragedy: Berhampur Excise Superintendent suspended; Inspector, SI transferred

“The Excise Superintendent was transferred yesterday for dereliction of duty and today, the Excise Inspector and Sub-Inspector have been suspended,” he said. 

“I am reiterating what I said at the time of assuming office that the illegal units will be destroyed within a year,” he added.