Baripada: Once peaceful, Baripada is now grappling with a serious law-and-order problem amid the growing menace of illegal and adulterated country liquor. Local residents and the Senior Citizens’ Forum have launched a protest, demanding the immediate closure of illegal country liquor outlets and stringent action against the sellers.
Residents of Ward 19 alleged that country liquor dens in Ward 17 have become gathering places for anti-social elements and habitual offenders, who reportedly use them to plan criminal activities. They claimed that incidents of violent clashes, armed robberies, house burglaries and attempted murders have increased in the area.
Residents also alleged that several foreign liquor outlets in the town were violating regulations by selling liquor beyond permitted hours and supplying to customers at night. A written complaint was submitted to the Excise Commissioner, Mayurbhanj Collector and Superintendent of Police October 24, seeking an investigation into the alleged illegal activities.
The complainants claimed that the illegal trade was generating huge profi ts and alleged that some Excise department employees were involved in the racket. The unchecked spread of illegal country liquor outlets has also raised concerns about the safety of women and children. Several such outlets are reportedly operating close to Nuasahi Primary School and a local Anganwadi centre, exposing children to unruly behaviour and abusive language.
Even temples and other places of worship have reportedly become unsafe because of the presence of intoxicated groups, making women and devotees reluctant to visit them. Women in the locality said they feel increasingly unsafe, alleging that harassment, catcalling and public nuisance have become routine. Despite repeated written complaints and reports of deaths allegedly linked to the consumption of spurious liquor, residents accused the local administration, police and Excise department of failing to take effective action.
The Senior Citizens’ Forum questioned the alleged administrative inaction and demanded an investigation into possible links between officials and the illegal liquor trade. The Senior Citizens’ Forum and local residents have issued an ultimatum to the Mayurbhanj Collector and SP, demanding coordinated raids, closure of all illegal liquor outlets and regular police patrolling in vulnerable areas. When contacted, SP Prasant Kanhar was unavailable for comment.