Bhubaneswar: In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor production, Excise officials dismantled an illegal country liquor factory concealed within an underground chamber of a modest 2BHK residence in the Salia Sahi slum on Thursday.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 36-year-old homeowner Samray Hansdah and the seizure of a large quantity of raw materials used in liquor manufacturing.
Acting on a tip-off regarding illegal liquor activities in the area, the Excise Department conducted a thorough search lasting approximately 40 minutes. The search revealed a hidden distillery within the 400 square-foot house. Excise Officials grew suspicious upon discovering a small door hidden behind a table in one of the bedrooms.
Further investigation uncovered the underground chamber where Samray Hansdah had been operating a mini distillery for the past six months. The accused is believed to have been supplying illegal country liquor to various vendors across the city.
During the raid, Excise Officials seized hundreds of litres of country-made liquor along with several quintals of fermented raw materials.
This bust forms part of the state government’s ongoing campaign, ‘Operation Prahaar,’ which aims to curb illegal liquor production and distribution throughout Odisha.
The Excise Department has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against illicit liquor manufacturers and suppliers to ensure public safety and law enforcement.
