Bhubaneswar: Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan today informed the Odisha Assembly about the ongoing efforts to address the hooch tragedy incident in Chikiti in Ganjam district.
In response to the Adjournment notice moved by Congress MLA Ramachandra Kadam and Ashok Kumar Das, the Minister said that 18 patients were initially admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Chikiti, where they received immediate first aid. Later, 15 patients were shifted to Berhampur MKCG Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
Harichandan added that a multidisciplinary team, led by the Ganjam Superintendent of Police, was formed to address the situation, comprising health department officials, Sarpanch, local Ward Members, Revenue Officers, Police, and Block Administration. A public awareness campaign was initiated, urging immediate treatment for those affected, he informed.
As of today, 17 patients have been admitted to Berhampur MKCG Medical College and Hospital, the Minister further told the House. 13 patients in the casualty ward are reported to be in stable condition.
As many as patients are undergoing treatment in the ICU, with two fatalities reported on August 21 namely Jura Behera and Loknath Behera from Jenapur village under Chikiti police station. Treatment for the remaining 15 patients continues, Harichandan maintained.
The situation is being closely monitored, and necessary measures are being taken to ensure the well-being of those affected.
Following the incident, local police have arrested six accused involved in the sale of illegal hooch. The accused are- Ravi Sahu, (28), Bapimi Sahu (34), Baya Sahu, (56), Balaram Bisoy (65), Surendra Mallick, (40), Ram Mallick (62).
Out of the six accused, four are from Maundpur village under K Nuagan police station of Ganjam district and the remaining two accused are from Khemundi village under Digapahandi police station of Ganjam district. The investigating officer illegally seized 20 litters of liquor and sent it to Berhampur Regional Forensic Science Laboratory for chemical testing.
The Excise department has launched a state-wide campaign against illegal liquor, resulting in significant seizures and arrests.
As of August 22, 366 cases of illegal liquor trade have been registered and 266 accused have been arrested.
Four suspects are still at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend them
As many as 26,626 litres of illegal liquor have been seized. Similarly, large quantities of fermented wash have been destroyed from illegal liquor units in Ganjam, Balasore and Sonepur.
The government will provide the best possible treatment to affected persons and continue the special campaign until all illegal distillation points are identified and destroyed.
