BJD Slams Odisha Govt Over Chikiti Hooch Episode, Accuses BJP Of Encouraging Illegal Liquor Business

Bhubaneswar: A day after 15 people fell ill after allegedly consuming ‘spurious’ liquor in Ganjam, opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Tuesday lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government accusing it of being insincere about ensuring prohibition in Odisha.

Senior BJD leader and party’s chief whip in the Assembly Pramila Mallik told reporters in Bhubaneswar that before the recent elections, BJP had promised to make Odisha liquor-free and ensure prohibition.

However, the BJP government is yet to formulate any plan or make any sincere effort to enforce prohibition and curb liquor business in the state, she claimed.

Instead of making any effort towards prohibition, the state government is encouraging liquor shops and traders, the BJD leader alleged.

Accusing the government of having failed to curb illegal liquor business in the state, Mallik said the incident at Chikiti in Ganjam district shows that the BJP government is not sincere about prohibiting liquor.

It may be noted that over 15 people fell ill after allegedly consuming ‘spurious’ liquor in Chikiti block under K Nuagaon police limits in Ganjam district late on Monday.

According to sources, around 20 people of Karbalua village consumed country liquor at Moundpur village last evening and 17 of them later complained of uneasiness and severe vomiting. They were rushed to community health centre at Chikiti. Five among them were later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here as their condition deteriorated.

Police and excise department officials have launched a search operation in Moundpur, Jainapur and Karbalua areas.