Koraput: In a major crackdown on illegal liquor production, the Excise Department conducted a surprise raid at Dengajaniguda, under Koraput Sadar police limits, seizing a large quantity of country-made liquor and raw materials.
Acting on a tip-off, excise officials recovered 2,100 litres of fermented wash — used to distil illicit liquor — and 130 liters of country-made liquor during the operation.
Excise Officer Sudhir Sahu said the seized wash was destroyed on the spot to prevent further illegal distillation. The raid is part of an intensified drive launched by the department to curb the rise of illicit liquor trade in the district’s rural areas.
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No arrests were made during the raid. However, the department registered two claimless cases and launched an investigation to identify those involved in the illegal brewing network.
Officials suspect large-scale production was taking place in hidden locations in forested areas near Dengajaniguda, with the illicit liquor being supplied to nearby markets.
Following reports of increased activity in the country liquor trade after the recent festive season, the excise team has stepped up surveillance in several sensitive zones of Koraput.
PNN
