Cuttack, Jan 22: In a surprise raid, the Excise Department of Cuttack district uncovered an illicit liquor factory in the Tigiria.

The officials discovered a hidden distillery operating within various homes in the villages of Biruda and Pansapata under the Tigiria police station area.

According to reports, barrels filled with illicit country liquor were found, along with other distilling equipment. A large quantity of country liquor and illicit homemade alcoholic drink were seized and destroyed by the Excise Department.

In total, the operation resulted in the confiscation of 11,025 litres of country liquor and 3,190 litres of homemade alcoholic drink, which were destroyed on the spot. The Excise Department has filed four cases related to this illegal activity, and further investigations are underway.

The operation, which was a joint effort between the Cuttack and Athgarh Excise teams, revealed that the region has been a hotspot for the illicit manufacturing and transportation of country liquor. Local residents had repeatedly complained about the illegal trade, prompting the authorities to take action.

This bust underscores the ongoing efforts by the Excise Department to clamp down on illegal alcohol production and distribution in the state, with stricter measures expected in the coming days.