Excise Crackdown in Nuapada Nets Rs 66.72 Lakh Worth of Illegal Liquor Ahead of Bypoll

In a sweeping pre-election operation, the Excise Department in Nuapada district has seized illegal liquor and vehicles valued at Rs 66.72 lakh, aiming to curb electoral malpractice ahead of the upcoming bypoll.

On October 23, officials confiscated 146 litres of hand-distilled liquor, 400 litres of country-made liquor, and 2,700 kg of mahua flower.

The crackdown intensified with additional seizures, including 69 litres of beer, 38 litres of foreign liquor, 4,000 litres of hand-distilled liquor, 1,053 litres of country-made liquor, 4 kg of cannabis, and a staggering 94,250 kg of mahua flower.

Authorities also impounded four motorcycles and one four-wheeler suspected to be used in illicit transport. So far, 126 excise cases have been registered and 77 individuals arrested.

District Collector has directed surveillance teams to enforce a complete shutdown of illegal liquor operations during the election period. The Excise Superintendent reaffirmed the department’s commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasising the need for a fair and substance-free electoral process.

This operation signals a strong administrative stance against the influence of illegal substances in democratic proceedings.