After Ganjam Hooch Tragedy, Odisha Govt Warns Of Stringent Action Against Illegal Liquor Business

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of Ganjam hooch tragedy, the Odisha government on Wednesday warned that stringent action will be taken against people involved in illegal liquor business in the state.

While making this announcement, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan directed the officials concerned to initiate necessary steps to put an end to illegal liquor trade in the state.

The Minister voiced his concern over the death of two persons in the hooch tragedy in Chikiti area of Ganjam district. He also sought detailed information on the incident from department Secretary Sushil Kumar Lohani and Excise Commissioner Narasingha Bhol.

Official sources said that the Minister has asked the officials of the Excise department to conduct raid on illegal liquor manufacturing units and shops in the state.

The state government, meanwhile, has removed the Exercise department Superintendent at Berhampur in Ganjam following the hooch tragedy.

The minister has asked the officials to provide the necessary treatment to people who fell ill after allegedly consuming the spurious liquor in Ganjam.

It may be noted that 15 persons of Karbala and Jenapur villages under Chikiti block of Ganjam district had fallen ill after consuming country liquor on Monday. Two of them have died so far, while at least 12 others are undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

The police have arrested eight persons in connection with the hooch tragedy in Ganjam.

Sources said the Excise department has seized 7,274 litres of illegal liquor and arrested at least 72 persons involved in illegal liquor trade by conducting raids at various places across the state since Monday.