Cuttack, Sept 23: In a major crackdown on illegal liquor trade, the administration carried out a large-scale raid at Bhuruda village in Tigiria block under Cuttack district. Led by the Athagarh Sub-Collector, a joint team comprising officials from the Excise Department and local police launched the operation, targeting unauthorized liquor production units in the area.

During the raid, bulldozers were deployed to demolish several makeshift structures where country-made liquor was being illegally brewed. Acting on a tip-off, the team uncovered hidden storage sites where liquor mafias had stockpiled large quantities of illicit alcohol for distribution.

Officials seized and destroyed thousands of liters of country liquor and fermented brew (pocha) during the raid. Sources said the production was being carried out secretly in remote locations to avoid detection.

The crackdown, particularly focused in the Panasapatana area of Bhuruda, marks one of the biggest actions against illegal liquor operations in recent times in the region.

Authorities have vowed to continue such actions to curb the menace of illegal liquor trade and ensure public safety.