Kendrapara, June 11: Two excise officials posted in Kendrapara district have been suspended over allegations of subjecting a youth to third-degree torture after he complained about the sale of illicit liquor in his area. The suspended officials have been identified as Excise Sub-Inspector Chhayakanta Nayak and Assistant Sub-Inspector Pradeep Mallik.

The suspension order was issued by the Excise Commissioner, Excise DSP Bipra Mandal informed.

According to sources, Binod Kumar Das of Baradia village under Rajnagar had lodged a complaint on May 28 regarding the illegal sale of liquor in the locality. Acting on the complaint, excise officials conducted a raid in the area.

During the operation, Binod was reportedly present at the spot and took photographs of the raid. Allegations later surfaced that the officials assaulted him for capturing the images. Following the incident, both officials were transferred pending inquiry.

After an investigation into the allegations, disciplinary action was initiated and the two officials were placed under suspension.