Bhubaneswar, 11 January (H.S.): An illegal country liquor manufacturing unit was once again unearthed in the Salia Sahi area of Bhubaneswar on Sunday, as the Excise Department intensified its crackdown on illicit brewing activities in the city.

During a raid conducted as part of a special enforcement drive, excise officials seized a large quantity of illegally produced liquor and raw materials used for its manufacture. One room at the premises was found filled with multiple drums containing fermented mash, while another room had stoves arranged for distillation. Several drums of mash were confiscated from the spot.

Officials said the fermented mash was being prepared using low-quality and rotten fruits, including oranges and pomegranates. An alcohol meter used to measure the strength of the liquor was also recovered, along with raw materials such as sugar and yeast.

Excise officials noted that Salia Sahi has repeatedly emerged as a hotspot for illegal liquor production, despite regular raids and enforcement action. Multiple illicit brewing units have been detected and dismantled in the area in the past.

Deputy Superintendent of Excise Raj Sekhar Swain said a special drive against illegal brewing has been underway since December 20 on the directions of Odisha Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy. “We have conducted raids several times in Salia Sahi. Acting on these directions, we carried out raids at three locations today and destroyed several distillation points,” he said.

The Excise Department has reiterated its commitment to continue strict enforcement to curb the illegal manufacture and sale of country liquor in the city.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda