Bhubaneswar: A road accident on State Highway No- 53 near Betira square in Bhadrak turned into a major bust of illicit liquor smuggling when police discovered a cleverly concealed secret chamber beneath a pickup van’s body.
The incident occurred when the pickup van collided with a female scooter rider, injuring her seriously. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Nandipada police immediately detained the van’s driver, Avinash Das, and helper, Satish Bala, for questioning. During interrogation, the duo’s evasive answers raised suspicions, prompting a thorough search of the vehicle.
To the officers’ surprise, a hidden compartment was found under the van’s floorboard. Inside, police recovered approximately 1,000 liters of country-made liquor, packed in small containers of 1-2 liters each for discreet transport.
Under questioning, both accused confessed to smuggling the contraband from the Mehuldiha area of Mayurbhanj district to Bhadrak for illegal sale. Avinash Das and Satish Bala, residents of the Khantapada area in Balasore district, were arrested on the spot.
Nandipada police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Odisha Excise Act and other provisions. The seized liquor and modified vehicle have been seized.
Police have intensified vehicle checks in vulnerable districts to curb such smuggling activities, which pose risks to public safety and revenue. The injured woman is reported to be stable.
