4824 chargesheeted in Orissa in illicit liquor trade

Bhubaneswar, Apr 17 (UNI) Altogether 4,824 people were chargesheeted in Orissa during 2006-2007 for their involvement in illicit liquor trade.

A review meeting of the excise department, chaired by Excise Minister Debi Prasad Mishra, stated that the department had initiated as many as 17,367 excise cases and arrested 5,489 people during 2006-2007 of whom 4,824 were chargesheeted and illicit liquor worth over Rs 321 crore seized.

Mr Mishra said the new state excise act implemented in 2006 has considerably reduced the excise offences in the state and prevented the illicit liquor trade.

The Minister directed the department officials to organise more seminars and roadside plays against the evil effect of consumption of liquor.

There has been an increase of 18 per cent in the lifting of foreign liquor and 40 per cent in the country liquor in the state during the year, Mr Mishra said and stated that it has been decided not to open more country liquor shop.

The state government has collected Rs 431 crores revenue through excise during 2006-2007, an increase of Rs 42 crore than the previous year and set a target to raise additional Rs 110 crores revenue during 2007-2008, the Minister said.

He asked the department to strengthen the joint squad of the police, excise and forest officials to deal firmly with the illicit liquor business.

UNI