Fed up with inaction, village women raid liquor shops in Odisha’s Sundargarh

In a powerful show of community resistance, women from Birabira village in Sundargarh Sadar block on Thursday took a bold stand against the unchecked illegal sale of liquor in their locality.

Despite multiple raids by the Excise Department over time, the liquor business has flourished, prompting frustration among residents, especially women, who say the trade is destroying families and youth.

Two days ago, the women held a village meeting and issued a warning to liquor sellers to shut down operations. When their demand went unheard, the women took action themselves.

Armed with sticks, they raided the homes of liquor sellers at night, seizing liquor and handing over the individuals to the police. 
Today, they took their protest to the next level by gheraoing the District Collector’s office and the Excise Department, demanding strict and immediate action against the liquor mafia.

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“We have approached the district administration today, as there is a rise in illegal liquor sales in our village. Even little kids are being used in the sale of liquor. Everyone knows liquor is poison, but the sale continues unabated. Despite repeated complaints by women of our village, there is no action because of which there are a lot of health woes due to heavy drinking,” alleged a woman protester. 

Additional District Magistrate Suraj Pattnaik met the women and accepted their memorandum. He assured them that within seven days, illegal liquor sales in the area would be completely stopped, and appropriate measures would be taken.

After receiving this assurance, the women returned to their village, vowing to stay vigilant.