Bhubaneswar: Under the direction of Excise Commissioner Narsingh Bhol, the Odisha Excise Department has arrested 216 people after registering 363 cases in the state on Sunday during a week-long special drive against the liquor mafia.
The department seized 2,4668 litters of country-made illicit liquor, 177913 kg of pocha, and 26 vehicles used in smuggling liquor. 15 owners of these vehicles were also arrested, a statement issued by the department said.
Between August 20 and August 25, the department conducted raids at illegal liquor production units across the state, registering 1869 excise cases and arresting 1154 individuals. Approximately 9,4325 litters of liquor and 794614 kg of poach were seized, along with 112 vehicles used in illicit 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 have been registered during crackdown in Saliasahi, Chunakuli, Bharatpur and Dumuduma areas under Bhubaneswar Excise district. 972 liters of country liquor and 5283 Kg wash were seized.
Along with the seizure, 12 people have been arrested and forwarded to court.
Similarly, 32 cases were registered in Bargarh district and 2702 liters liquor were seized with arrest of 10 people.
The Excise Department has initiated an investigation into the assets of liquor mafias involved in contraband trade. All excise officers and staff have been directed to closely monitor the manufacturing and sale of illicit liquor.
