Padmapur: Buckled under pressure from women activists crusading against illegal hooch traders, the administration sealed nine liquor shops in Basudevpur area of Bhadrak Wednesday.
Reports said for the last several months, illegal liquor trade had been on rise at Bideipur bazaar under Basudevpur block. Some women outfits have been strongly opposing it, but without any success.
They alleged that over 10 illegal liquor shops are operating area, but no action by excise department has been taken.
A few months ago an woman organization in the same area had submitted a written complaint with the Collector, seeking action against the bootleggers.
They had warned of agitation if the administration fails to act against the liquor traders.
Upset over inaction, hundreds of women came out into the streets Wednesday and blocked Basudevpur-Dhamara road for four hours. As vehicular movement came to a standstill, police rushed to the spot and tried to convince the agitating women.
Women were firm of stern action against the bootleggers. Basudevpur IIC Umashankar Nayak, SI Nirod Kumar Malick, ASI Sudarhshan Pradhan, Sudarhsna Jena, Chittaranjan Das, Kasia marine ASI Bishnucharan Nayak bowed to the pressure of the women and immediately sealed nine illegal liquor shops.
Meanwhile, police registered a case against five people following an allegation of vandalism to liquor shop of one Sudharshan Biswal.
Besides, another case was registered against bootleggers like Ramakant Biswal, Mania Biswal and Gayadhar Biswal, said SDPO Jalandhar Jali.
PNN
