Kataka: Excise department officials were allegedly attacked by suspected ganja and liquor mafia during a raid in Badamba area of Odisha’s Kataka district.
According to sources, the incident took place when a team of excise officials from Athagada conducted a raid Ratapat village under the jurisdiction of Badamba police station following information about illegal ganja trade in the area.
During the operation, an altercation reportedly broke out between the excise officers and staff and the suspected traders. As the conflict escalated, the traders allegedly attacked the members of the excise team with weapons and tried to snatch articles seized during the search operation.
Sources said several excise personnel sustained injuries in the attack. The injured team members were provided medical treatment.
Following the incident, a complaint was lodged at Badamba police station and further action is in progress. Efforts are on to identify and apprehend the attackers.
During the raid, the excise team seized three kilograms of ganja and 2,240 litres of country liquor. The seizure was made as part of the operation against the alleged illegal trade in the village.