Tanima Ray

Rayagada: Tension prevailed at Sadar block in Rayagada district after hundreds of women ransacked a country liquor unit near Lada station today.

As per sources, the women had repeatedly sought the intervention of district administration to shut the liquor unit. After the administration overlooked their demands, scores of women of the village took out a rally and ransacked the liquor joint.

"Apart from men, children are skipping school and consuming alcohol. We work the whole day to get ration for our families while men it for liquor. What will we eat,” questioned Kumutadi Bidika, a local resident.

Another agitator alleged that the women had earlier met district collector and senior police officers over their demands.

“We had met the Collector and other senior police officials with our demands some two months back. But as no action was taken, we were forced to take such action."

Rayagada Excise Superintendent, Dandapani Behera on the other hand stated, “The women members of several areas had lodged their grievances. As the licence of the liquor unit would have expire by March end, a senior officer was deployed and local sarpanch was also asked to submit a report regarding the objections. Once we get the report, appropriate action will be taken.”

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