Ganjam Spurious Liquor Deaths; Berhampur Excise Superintendent Suspended; Inspector, SI transferred

Berhampur: Following the death of two persons due to consumption of spurious liquor, the Berhampur Excide Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi has been suspended. Odisha Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan had ordered his immediate removal from the post.

The concerned excise Inspector Ramesh Chandra Mohanty has been transferred to Koraput and Sub Inspector Prasanna Kumar Dhali has been sent to Dhenkanal.

The minister on Wednesday held discussions with Principal Secretary (Excise) Sushil Kumar Lohani and Excise Commissioner Narasingha Bhol on the hooch tragedy in Chikiti area of Ganjam district.

More than 17 persons from Moundpur, Jenapur and Karabalua villages of Chikiti block were hospitalized after drinking illicit country liquor from a local unlicensed shop on Monday evening.

Two of them died on Wednesday. The deceased were Jura Behera and Loknath Behera of Jenapur village.

So far, eight persons including a woman have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.