Bhubaneswar, August 30: Nayagarh Police has stepped up its crackdown on the illegal liquor trade under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, in line with Odisha Chief Minister’s call for a Nasha Mukt Odisha, said Dr. Satyajit Naik, IGP, Central Range, Cuttack.

As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, the Odagaon Police on August 29 intercepted an Ashok Leyland pickup van allegedly carrying a large consignment of illicitly distilled (ID) liquor near Rohibanka in Nayagarh district.

Acting on credible information regarding the illegal transportation of liquor, a police team from Odagaon Police Station was conducting vehicle checks near Rohibanka when it intercepted the vehicle. The pickup van was reportedly travelling from Karchuli in Ganjam district towards Odagaon.

During a search of the vehicle, police recovered a substantial quantity of ID liquor being transported without a valid licence or permit. One person was apprehended at the spot.

The accused was identified asChinmaya Pradhan, 27, son of Dhoba Pradhan of Karchuli Main Road under Buguda Police Station in Ganjam district.

Seizure Details

Police seized:

• One Ashok Leyland pickup van, bearing registration number OD32G-6817
• 65 jari bags, each containing 500 pouches
• Each pouch contained 100 ml of illicitly distilled liquor
• 32,500 pouches, containing a total of 3,250 litres of illicit liquor

Following the seizure,Odagaon Police Station Case No. 307, dated August 29, 2026, was registered under Section 52(a) of the Odisha Excise Act.

The accused has been arrested in connection with the case. The Inspector of Odagaon Police Station has been appointed as the Investigating Officer.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify the source of the illicit liquor and establish its backward and forward linkages.

Nayagarh Police has appealed to members of the public to share information regarding the illegal trade in liquor and drugs. Police assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.