Digapahandi, Aug 20 : An Illicit liquor mafia identified as Surendra Mallik was arrested by Excise department on Tuesday.
This action was taken following reports of as many as 20 people from Karabalua, Jenapur were hospitalized after consuming alleged spurious liquor.
The affected individuals, all from Karbalua village, had consumed country liquor and later reported severe vomiting and unease. They were initially taken to the community health center in Chikiti and subsequently transferred to MKCH Medical College Hospital.
Of the 14, 12 are in the medicine ward and two are in the ICU, according to police.
Chikiti MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantra reached the spot to take stock of the situation and alleged that the excise department is not conducting regular raids to stop the sale of illicit liquor.
