Baripada: In a major crackdown ahead of the Manatri Jagar Mela, the Excise Department officials of Betnoti on Thursday seized a substantial quantity of spurious and banned liquor during a raid in Kainphulia village under Nadapur Panchayat, within the Baisinga Police Station limits of Betnoti block in Mayurbhanj district.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs regarding the illegal stocking of liquor in view of the massive gathering expected at the mela, the Betnoti Excise Station Officer, along with teams from Khunta and Udala Excise divisions and armed police personnel, conducted a joint operation in the village.
During the raid, officials recovered approximately 16 litres of spurious poisonous foreign liquor and around 262 litres of illicit foreign liquor, which is completely banned for sale in Odisha. The contraband was reportedly smuggled from outside the district and stored inside a house in Kainphulia village.
The liquor had been concealed inside the residence of a local individual, who is currently absconding. Authorities have launched further raids to apprehend the house owner.
In connection with the seizure, the Betnoti Excise Station Officer has registered a case under relevant provisions of the Excise Act. Further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and identify others involved in the illegal operation.
Officials stated that the intensified vigil is part of precautionary measures to prevent the circulation of spurious and illegal liquor during large public gatherings, especially the Manatri Jagar Mela, which draws lakhs of devotees every year.
