Jharsuguda: In a major crackdown on illegal liquor manufacturing and sale, Belpahar police, with support from Lakhanpur and Brajrajnagar police, conducted a joint raid at Mohanpur and Ujalpur villages under Belpahar police station limits on Thursday and apprehended nine persons, including five women.
Police identified the accused as Nansi Titingal (32), Malti Digi (40), Bisangi Hembram (40), Baijanti Chaki (58), Puja Digi (29), Dume Purty (44), Saluram Purty (22), Rajendra Kisan (33) and Souki Barik (61), all residents of Mohanpur and Ujalpur villages under Belpahar police station limits.
Police said the operation was launched following reliable information about large-scale preparation, sale and transportation of illicit Mahua liquor in the area. Officials feared that the illegal activities could lead to a deterioration of law and order and pose serious health risks to local residents consuming the spurious liquor.
The early morning raid was carried out by teams from Belpahar, Lakhanpur and Brajrajnagar police stations along with a platoon of armed police force in the presence of Additional Tehsildar, Lakhanpur, who acted as the Executive Magistrate during the operation.
During the raid, police seized 722 litres of illicitly distilled Mahua liquor, 4,679 kg of Mahua flowers used as an intoxicant for brewing liquor, 10 kg of urea, and several utensils and equipment used in the manufacturing process. Officials also destroyed around 12 quintals of fermented Mahua pocha at the spot.
Jharsuguda SP GR Raghavendra said, “We are committed to taking firm and sustained action against illegal liquor manufacturing and trafficking in Jharsuguda district. In today’s joint operation at Mohanpur and Ujalpur villages under Belpahar Police Station, 09 persons were apprehended and substantial quantities of illicit Mahua liquor, Mahua flower and brewing materials were seized. Multiple excise cases have been registered and further investigation is underway. Such enforcement drives will continue to protect public health, prevent crime and maintain law and order.”
