Binjharpur: Irked over rampant liquor smuggling in the area, villagers comprising women caught a youth with liquor and beat him up before handing him over to police at Uttarkul Square under this police limits in Jajpur district Monday.
They overpowered Tapan Jena (21) of Rambag area and seized 150 ml of Indian Made Foreign Liquor from his possession. Jena tried to get away but people refused to listen and assaulted him
On being informed, Binjharpur police rushed to the spot and rescued Jena from the custody of irate people after placating them. Police arrested Jena and produced him in court and registered a case under the excise Act. The villagers have warned that whosever is found involved in buying and selling of liquor they will be dealt with strictly.
Observers claimed the incident is the result a growing resentment of people against rampant smuggling of country and IMFL liquor in the area forcing people to take law into their hands. Such incidents often lead to a law and order situation if the police and administration do not take steps to curb smuggling .
Sources said the villagers have often approached the administration and the police in this regard but the latter has failed to act. As a result, people take law into their hands and assault whosoever is involved in the liquor trade.
PNN
