Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: In response to the recent hooch tragedy in Chikiti, Ganjam district, where two lives were lost, the Odisha government has decided to launch a high-level investigation led by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC). The probe, expected to begin shortly, will have a two-month deadline to submit its findings.

Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced the Chief Minister's decision, emphasizing that the government is taking the incident very seriously and will take strong action against those responsible.

“The state government is addressing this issue with utmost seriousness. Since August 20, a statewide crackdown on illegal liquor operations has been underway, leading to the identification of 217 illegal liquor dens and the arrest of 117 individuals. The government is committed to eradicating the menace of spurious liquor and ensuring justice for the victims of the Chikiti tragedy,” said Harichandan.

He further stated, “The government has decided to demolish these illegal liquor dens using bulldozers. Concerned by the Chikiti incident, the government has already transferred the Excise Superintendent for dereliction of duty and will soon initiate an RDC-level investigation.”

Additionally, the Odisha government has transferred two officials today, following the suspension of Berhampur Excise Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi, as part of its ongoing efforts to hold those responsible for the spurious liquor incident accountable.

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