Rairangpur — Report by Gaur Das Giri A major raid by the Excise Department uncovered a fake liquor manufacturing unit in Jatasahi village under Pandupani area of Tirring Block, Mayurbhanj district. The operation was carried out early Friday morning around 6 AM under the direct supervision of Shri Soumya Ranjan Behera, Deputy Superintendent of Excise, Rairangpur, with the combined team from Rairangpur and Bahalda Excise Ranges. During the raid, a large quantity of fake liquor, materials used for its preparation, and stickers of various branded liquor companies were seized from an abandoned house. Six people, including three minors, were detained for interrogation. The officials also seized one Bullet motorcycle, a Hero Honda Passion, an Apache bike, and five mobile phones from the spot. Acting on a tip-off, the Excise officials conducted a surprise raid at the location. The massive quantity of fake liquor bottles and raw materials stunned the officials present. All seized items and the accused were taken to the Rairangpur Excise Office for further questioning and investigation. Among the six arrested individuals, three are minors, and all of them belong to neighboring Jharkhand state. It is suspected that liquor mafias from Jharkhand have been infiltrating the bordering areas of Odisha, luring local villagers, and running illegal fake liquor manufacturing and distribution networks. The seized items include: 557.310 liters of fake foreign liquor, 3 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, 20 liters of spirit, Over 1,000 empty liquor bottles, 4,900 counterfeit company logos, and 1,590 empty caps. Fake stickers of several well-known liquor brands such as RS, Iconic, Black Horse, No.1 Luxury Racer Whisky, and RC King Gold were also found at the site. The excise officials discovered that during the festive season, such fake liquor operations are being conducted more actively. The arrested individuals even demonstrated to the officials how they prepare and label fake liquor bottles. It appears that Jharkhand-based liquor mafias are expanding their illegal trade into Odisha by involving local villagers, thereby creating a widespread fake liquor network and lawlessness in the region. The Excise Department has registered a case under P.R. No. 59/2025-26 and has intensified the investigation. Strict action has been demanded against those involved in the fake liquor racket.
Report from Baripada …… gour das giri