Excise drive against illegal liquor mafias continues in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Led by Excise Commissioner Narsingh Bhol, the Odisha excise department arrested 216 people after 363 cases were registered in the state on Sunday during a week-long drive against the liquor mafia.
The department has seized 2,4668 liters of illegal domestic liquor, 177,913 kg of pocha and 26 vehicles used for liquor smuggling. Fifteen owners of these vehicles have also been arrested, the department said in a statement.
Between August 20 and 25, the department conducted raids on illegal liquor manufacturing units in the state, during which 1,869 excise cases were registered and 1,154 persons were arrested. About 9,4325 litres of liquor and 794,614 kg of syrup were seized along with 112 vehicles used for illegal smuggling. As many as 60 owners of these vehicles were arrested.
The estimated value of the seized illicit liquor and vehicles is over Rs 15 crore. Specific excise districts including Bhubaneswar, Bargarh and others saw significant seizures and arrests.
15 cases were registered during the crackdown in Saliasahi, Chunakuli, Bharatpur and Dumuduma areas under Bhubaneswar excise district. 972 litres of liquor and 5283 kg of liquor were seized.
In addition to the seizure, 12 people were also arrested and brought before the judge.
Also in Bargarh district, 32 cases were registered, with 2,702 litres of liquor seized and 10 persons arrested.
The Excise Department has launched an investigation into the assets of liquor mafia groups involved in smuggling. All excise officials and personnel have been directed to keep a close watch on the production and sale of illicit liquor.