Rayagada: Acting on the directions of Rayagada District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni and under the leadership of Rayagada Sub-Collector Ramesh Kumar Jena, the Excise Department conducted an extensive anti-illicit liquor drive across various parts of Rayagada district today.
As part of the operation, raids were conducted at roadside shops and dhabas in areas including J.K. Pur, Kashipur, Riwalkona, Lakshmipur and Gadiseshkhal. During the raids, a large quantity of country liquor and other illicit liquor/intoxicating substances were seized.
The Excise team subsequently conducted a raid in a forested area under Bankili Gram Panchayat, near Minajhila Primary Health Centre in Kolnara Tehsil. During the operation, the officials detected a large abandoned illegal liquor-brewing unit.
A substantial quantity of liquor, jars and various materials used for the preparation of illicit liquor were found at the site. The seized liquor and brewing materials were destroyed on the spot. The abandoned makeshift structure that had been constructed for the illegal preparation of liquor was also demolished.
The anti-excise operation was carried out by the Rayagada District Mobile Unit under the supervision of Excise Inspector Kambhupani Sindur. Excise ASI Pradip Naik, along with Excise personnel Karunakar Patra and Parchuri Kishore, participated in the operation.
Similarly, a team from the Rayagada Excise Police Station, led by Officer-in-Charge Bani Suna, actively participated in the drive. The team included Gujari Dharmarao, Kishore Bidika, Sandeep Patra, Amar Dalai and Excise Constable Melka Kumari.
The administration has stated that enforcement activities against the illegal manufacture, sale and transportation of liquor will be intensified across the district in the coming days.
The general public has also been urged to immediately inform the nearest Excise office or the district administration if they come across any information regarding the illegal manufacture or sale of liquor, so that prompt action can be taken.
