Bhubaneswar: Taking further action in the Chikiti hooch tragedy incident, the Odisha government on Thursday transferred two officials a day after suspending Berhampur Excise Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi as part of its ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the spurious liquor incident.
On Tuesday the state government suspended Berhmapur Excise Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi while two more officials were transferred today, according to sources.
As per government order, Berhampur Excise Inspector Ramesh Chandra Mohanty has been transferred to Koraput, while Sub-inspector (SI) Prasanna Kumar Jali has been transferred to Dhenkanal.
The government has, meanwhile, launched a statewide crackdown on spurious liquor, raiding various places and seizing over 7,274 litres of illicit liquor. As many as 72 people have been arrested in connection with the raids.
In Ganjam district alone, 385 litres of spurious liquor were seized. Notably, two people died and over 12 others were hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor in Tikiri village of Ganjam district.
The government’s crackdown came after the Chikiti hooch tragedy sparked widespread outrage in the state. The government has been under pressure to take action against those responsible for the tragedy.
