Post News Network
Ranpur, March 27: Even as several country liquor dens are in operation in village forests of this block in Nayagarh district, the administration and excise department are oblivious to it.
According to reports, fermented brew is being prepared in Budhidei Ghati, Mandiasahi and Kalunijhar forests near Bandhapalla village under Mahatpalla panchayat which is later processed to make country liquor. Thousands of litres of spurious liquor are transported to Tangi and Bhusandpur areas of Khurda district and Ranpur and Sunakhala areas of Nayagarh district.
Locals alleged liquor traders in connivance with excise officials manage to get prior information of departmental raids. The raids by excise department are nothing but eyewash, they alleged.
Most people of Bandhapalla and Biruda villages live on cultivation. However, the ambience of the villages has been polluted as liquor mafia and anti-social elements have used rural forests as factories of liquor production, the villagers said. Often youths are found fighting among themselves after consuming cheap liquor produced in the dens, they added.
Though excise officials have been apprised of the situation on several occasions, no action has been taken as yet, the villagers alleged.
When contacted, sub-collector Nrusingha Charan Swain, who is also the district excise superintendent-in-charge, said he was not aware of the development. Action in this regard would be taken soon, Swain added.
