Illegal country liquor trade busted in forest areas of Cuttack

Police busted an illegal country liquor operation being run inside dense forest areas under the Khuntuni police station limits of Athagarh in Cuttack district on Monday. Acting on specific information, police conducted surprise raids across several forest pockets to curb the unlawful activity.

The operation was carried out in the Dalua, Kansar, Baunsatangor, Sadak Sahi, Padapathar, Patiasahi, Luni Padia, and Khanduali reserved forest areas. Officials said the raids were part of ongoing efforts to tackle the widespread problem of the illicit liquor trade in different parts of the state.

During the operation, police destroyed nearly 1,800 litres of fermented liquor and seized 40 litres of country-made liquor. According to police sources, the liquor mafia was allegedly operating openly inside the reserved forest zones, taking advantage of the dense forest cover to evade law enforcement.

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However, those involved in the illegal trade managed to flee from the spot during the raids. Police said such incidents are common during operations in forest and remote areas due to difficult terrain.

A case has been registered in connection with the incident, and further investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend the accused. Police said similar drives will continue to clamp down on illicit liquor manufacturing and distribution in forested and rural regions.