Spurious liquor has claimed 50 lives in Odisha: Minister informs House

Bhubaneswar: Spurious liquor has so far claimed 50 lives in the state during the last 10 years, informed Excise Minister Ashwini Kumar Patra in Odisha Assembly here today.

Replying to a question raised by Congress Kantabanji MLA Santosh Singh Saluja, the Minister said as many as 41 persons had died after consuming spurious liquor in Cuttack district in 2011-12 financial year. Besides, nine deaths were reported in Bhadrak district in 2019-20 due to consumption of spurious liquor.

He further stated that the Excise Department issues license to manufacturers for sell of alcoholic beverages verified by concerned regulatory bodies.

Also Read: Odisha: Cop, two others held for involvement in spurious liquor business

“If any licensed liquor shop is found manufacturing and selling spurious liquor, the owner will be awarded 10-year jail term as per provisions under Section-59 of Odisha Excise Act- 2008. Besides, the accused will be imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh for the offence. This part, license of the concerned liquor trader will be cancelled under the Act,” the Minister added.