Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: Following the deaths of two individuals in Odisha’s Ganjam district due to suspected consumption of spurious country liquor, state Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has ordered officials to take urgent measures to curb illegal liquor trade in the state. On Wednesday, Minister Harichandan convened a meeting with Principal Secretary (Excise) Sushil Kumar Lohani and Excise Commissioner Narasingha Bhol to discuss the hooch tragedy in Chikiti block and obtain details of the incident.
On Monday evening, at least 23 people from Moundpur, Jenapur, and Karabalua villages in Chikiti block consumed country liquor from an unlicensed local shop. They subsequently fell ill and were admitted to a local hospital. Fifteen victims were later transferred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for advanced treatment. Two of them died on Wednesday, while 13 others remain hospitalized. The deceased have been identified as Jura Behera and Loknath Behera from Jenapur village.
The minister stated that the illegal liquor trade in the state is unacceptable and instructed officials to maintain strict surveillance and conduct raids on illegal liquor manufacturing units and shops. He also ordered the immediate removal of the Excise Superintendent of Berhampur from their position. Additionally, Minister Harichandan directed authorities to ensure special arrangements for the treatment of those hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor.
So far, eight individuals, including one woman, have been arrested in connection with the incident. In the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday, the opposition BJD and Congress demanded a probe by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner. The BJD also announced plans for a fact-finding team to visit Chikiti soon.
