Bhubaneswar: In the aftermath of the hooch tragedy that claimed two lives in Chikiti in Ganjam district, the Odisha government has decided to launch an RDC-level investigation into the incident. A probe led by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) will be initiated soon, with a mandate to submit its report within two months.
Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced the CM’s decision, stating that the government is taking the matter seriously and will take stern action against those responsible for the tragedy.
Harichandan said, “The state government is handling the matter seriously. The crackdown on illegal liquor dens continues across the state, with raids being conducted in various parts of Odisha since August 20. So far, 217 illegal liquor dens have been identified and 117 people have been arrested. The government has vowed to eradicate the menace of spurious liquor and ensure that those responsible for the tragedy justice.”
He continued: “The government has decided to demolish the illegal liquor dens with the help of bulldozers. Concerned over the Chikiti incident, our government has transferred the Excise Superintendent on charges of dereliction of duty. The government will order a RDC level investigation into the matter soon.”
It is pertinent to mention that the Odisha government today transferred two officials a day after suspending Berhampur Excise Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi as part of its ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the spurious liquor incident.
