Nabarangpur/Nayagada: Anti-liquor protests intensified in two Odisha districts, with around 300 women setting fire to equipment at a closed country liquor unit in Nabarangpur, while villagers in Nayagada district demolished a house allegedly used for liquor sales and blocked National Highway-57 Saturday.
In Nabarangpur, the incident took place at Baripadar village under Dangariguda gram panchayat in Dabugan block. The women, armed with sticks and iron rods, allegedly entered the premises, dragged out plastic drums and other equipment used for liquor production and set them ablaze, sources said.
The sources added that the unit had remained closed since April after its licence was not renewed. Only two to three employees were reportedly present to guard the equipment. No injuries were reported, but several items were reduced to ashes. A video purportedly showing the incident has gone viral on social media.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed in Jaypur village under Muthagadia panchayat in Nayagada district Saturday after villagers protested against liquor sales, allegedly demolished a house where liquor was being sold and blocked NH-57.
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The villagers said they had earlier raised the issue with police and lodged a complaint, but “no action was taken”. The blockade disrupted vehicular movement on the Khordha-Balangir National Highway, causing inconvenience to commuters.
On receiving information, the Nayagarh SDPO and other police personnel reached the spot and held discussions with the protesters. The villagers demanded an end to liquor sales in the area and agreed to withdraw the blockade after receiving assurances that necessary steps would be taken. Traffic movement resumed after the protesters cleared the highway, sources added.
PNN