Special drive to check illegal liquor sale during festivities

Bhubaneswar: Think twice before dipping into revelry during Dusshera as Excise department has decided to launch special drives to put a check on the sale of liquor ‘illegally’ to maintain law and order during the festive season in Odisha.

As per the decision, the Excise Department has decided to set up a control room and formed special flying squads to curb the menace of illegal liqour sale during the festivities from September 24 to October 2.

Besides, the sale of liquor will be suspended in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar during the immersion ceremony.

“The enforcement and intelligence unit have been asked to remain alert and liquor shops will remain closed on immersion ceremony in the Twin City,” said Excise Minister Sashii Bhusan Behera.

Also Read: Liquor outlets on highways within city limits to reopen in Odisha

Official sources said, Excise and police officials at district levels have been instructed to launch special drives during the Durga puja celebrations and Gajalaxmi puja from October 4 to 11.

Particularly, the squads have been instructed to keep strict vigil on the manufacture, sale and transport of liqour through illegal means during the festivities in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Berhampur.

“More than 200 cases under excise act have been registered during the special drive launched,” said Police Commissioner YB Khurania.

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