Kendrapara: The statutory warning, expiry rule and other guidelines on sale of liquor do not deter the liquor mafia, who are doing brisk business by selling the spurious contraband items in parts of Kendrapara district.
Even as the illegal trade has become rampant in the area, local administration and excise department have utterly failed to curb the business.
An on-ground investigation by OTV from Kharanasi in the district revealed that local brand Aska-40 is being sold even after its expiry date. Data obtained showed several brands bear 22. 03.2017 as the date of packaging and an instruction to use the beverage within 45 days. But, these liquor bottles are being sold unhindered in the area even beyond their expiry date.
The Excise department and local administration raided the shops and seized over 3000 Aska-40 and other brands recently after getting information from OTV investigation. At least four persons have been detained and being questioned in this connection.
The local administration promised action against the erring traders. "They are selling the expired liquors. The consumption of these may cause serious health problems", Tehsildar Bichitrananda Nayak said during a raid.