BERHAMPUR/BHUBANESWAR: Ganjam was rocked by a hooch tragedy as two persons, admitted to MKCG medical college and hospital in Berhampur, succumbed two days after consuming illicit country liquor in Chikiti, on Wednesday.
The victims Jura Behera (60) and Lokanath Behera (36), both from Jenapur village, were admitted to the ICU. Twelve others are still undergoing treatment at MKCG.
Alarmed by the deaths, the state government swung into action and removed the Berhampur excise superintendent from his post. Six persons involved in the sale of hooch were arrested by excise officials in the last 24 hours.
Excise and Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan sought a detailed report on the incident from his department and instructed principal secretary Sushil Kumar Lohani and excise commissioner Narasingha Bhola to beef up enforcement against illicit liquor trade across the state.
Harichandan asserted that the government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against illicit liquor and those involved in the trade will be dealt with strongly.
The hooch tragedy also found its echo in the state Assembly as Opposition BJD created noisy scenes, forcing Speaker Surama Padhy to adjourn the proceedings of the House. The BJD also demanded a probe by the revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) into incident. Congress joined the regional party in the protest.
On Monday evening, over 30 people of Jenasahi and Karabalua villages under Chikiti NAC consumed country liquor at Moundpur and later fell sick. Of them, 14 were shifted to MKCG medical college where two succumbed.
Excise officials suspect the illicit brew turned fatal as the liquor was punched with fertiliser and even remnants of used lead battery to make it strong.
Meanwhile, the incident evoked strong reactions from villagers. As the body of Jura was sent to Jenapur for cremation, locals and family members placed it on the main road at Chikiti demanding a compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the kin as well as proper treatment to the hooch patients at the medical college.
Jura’s relatives alleged that he died due to negligence in treatment as they were asked to arrange eight units of blood on Monday night. And when they reached the blood bank with the requisition slip, the official reportedly cited absence of stock.
The road blockade was lifted after four hours when local administration and police assured to place their demands before the collector for consideration. The administration paid Rs 30,000 from district Red Cross fund.
