Excise Department Seizes Over 4,400 Litres of Illicit Liquor in Major Raids Across Koraput

Koraput | Dec 10, 2025 - In a major crackdown on illegal liquor production and sale, the Excise Department seized a massive quantity of pocha (illicit fermented liquor) and country-made liquor from Denga Jani Guda and Lamtaput under Koraput Sadar. The operation has been described as one of the biggest seizures in the region in recent months.

A special team led by Koraput Sadar Excise Inspector Sudhir Sahu conducted intensive raids in these two locations following specific intelligence inputs. The team recovered 4,200 litres of pocha and 280 litres of country-made liquor, all stored in makeshift brewing units hidden inside forested and interior pockets. Officials also registered three benami cases in connection with the seizure, indicating the involvement of unidentified persons who were operating the illegal units clandestinely.

Inspector Sudhir Sahu said, “Acting on credible information, our team swiftly moved to both locations and destroyed large quantities of illegal liquor. We are intensifying our efforts to curb illicit brewing in the district and ensure strict action against those involved.”

The operation was carried out as part of an ongoing campaign against illegal liquor activities ahead of the festive and wedding season, during which demand and illegal production tend to rise significantly.

A number of senior officials from different wings of the Excise Department and police force participated in the raids. The team included Flying Squad officer Chandra Sekhar Padihari, Lakshmipur OIC Kusha Jal, Koraput Excise OIC Jagabandhu Jani, and DFS Koraput SI Raj. Their coordinated efforts helped in locating the concealed brewing spots and dismantling the production units.

Authorities further informed that frequent raids will continue in vulnerable pockets of Koraput district to prevent the transportation and sale of illicit liquor. Strict surveillance has also been placed on routes commonly used by bootleggers.

The Excise Department has urged the public to share information regarding illegal brewing activities and assured complete confidentiality for informers.

With the seizure of over 4,480 litres of illegal liquor, the department believes the operation has dealt a strong blow to the local network involved in unlawful liquor production. Further investigation is underway to identify those behind the benami cases registered.