Excise Department Seizes 6,000 Litres of Fermented Wash in Salia Sahi Raid, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Jan 11: The Excise Department has carried out a fresh raid in Salia Sahi, Bhubaneswar’s largest slum, seizing thousands of litres of fermented wash and harmful chemicals used in brewing illicit liquor.

Officials destroyed nearly 6,000 litres of pocha (fermented wash) and confiscated rotten fruits, plastic containers, drums, and brewing equipment.

Investigations revealed that toxic country liquor was being produced by mixing fermented fruits with chemicals, posing serious health risks to consumers.

While no arrests were made during the operation, authorities confirmed that surveillance will be intensified to curb the illegal trade.

Salia Sahi has long been identified as a hotspot for illicit liquor brewing.

Despite repeated enforcement drives—including raids in 2025 and large-scale demolitions in 2024—the illegal trade continues to thrive, raising concerns among residents.

Officials assured that stricter measures and sustained monitoring will be undertaken to dismantle brewing units and protect public health.