Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 22: Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan today announced that a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC)-level probe will be initiated into the recent alcoholic death or hooch tragedy, which resulted in two deaths in Ganjam district. The RDC probe is expected to be established within a day or two and will submit its findings within two months.
Harichandan outlined the government’s response, stating that efforts to combat illicit liquor trade have been intensified since August 20. So far, 217 illegal liquor kilns have been identified, and plans are underway to demolish them. Additionally, 117 individuals have been arrested across various districts, and illegal fermented alcohol (pocha) is being destroyed.
The Minister also reported administrative actions: Berhampur Excise Inspector Ramesh Chandra Mohanty and SI Prasanna Kumar Dhali have been suspended, while Berhampur Excise Superintendent Pradeep Panigrahi has been transferred.
This announcement follows the hooch tragedy’s continued impact on the state Assembly, where proceedings were adjourned until 4 pm due to persistent disruptions. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has demanded an RDC-level investigation and the resignation of the Excise Minister, criticizing the situation as contradictory to the BJP’s manifesto promise of a “Nisha Mukt Odisha” (intoxication-free Odisha). BJD party whip Pramila Mallick pointed out that in the past, BJD ministers resigned promptly following similar incidents under the Naveen Patnaik administration.
