Bhubaneswar: In a significant crackdown, the Excise Department arrested a couple on Tuesday while they were engaged in a brown sugar transaction near Jagannathpur Square on National Highway 57 under Bhogarai block in Balasore district.
The arrested persons have been identified as Rajib Samal (24) and his wife Jyotirani Bhuyan (20), both residents of Jagannathpur village, were caught during a surprise raid.
Acting on a credible tip-off, a joint team from the Balasore Mobile Excise Unit and Bhogarai Excise Department intercepted the duo and seized 145 grams of brown sugar. The contraband’s estimated market value exceeds Rs 15 lakh.
A case has been registered at the Excise police station and a preliminary investigation is currently underway.
