Odisha Government to order RDC probe into liquor deaths in Ganjam: Minister Prithviraj Harichandan

Odisha Government orders probe into liquor deaths in Ganjam district, vows to demolish illegal country liquor joints.

The Odisha Government would soon order an administrative probe by the RDC into the liquor case in Ganjam district, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said in the Assembly on Thursday (August 22, 2024).

The State Government was committed to demolishing all the illegal country liquor joints.

Two persons died, while 13 others are undergoing treatment in a hospital after consuming spurious alcohol. The incident happened on Monday (August 19, 2024).

Mr. Harichandan said this after the issue was raised in the Assembly, where the opposition BJD demanded his resignation.

"The Chief Minister will soon issue an order for a revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) probe into the liquor deaths in Ganjam district," Mr. Harichandan said.

He said the RDC would submit the report to the Government within two months. Mr. Harichandan said the State has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illicit liquor and directed the officials to keep strict vigil and conduct raids on illegal liquor manufacturing units and shops across the State.

“The State Government has suspended Berhampur Excise Inspector Ramesh Chandra Mohanty and Sub-Inspector Prasanna Kumar Dhali,” he said.