Two persons died and four others were hospitalised after consuming contaminated country liquor at Talagarah village under the Bantala police station in Angul District on Tuesday. Six persons have been arrested in this connection, police said.
The deceased were identified as Sanjay Pradhan and Subrat Sahu of the village. Though four persons have been admitted in the SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack as of now, several others are now coming to hospitals complaining health problems, sources said.
Of the six arrested persons, while two Siba Sahu and Kailash Sahu were arrested by police, the rest were arrested by Excise sleuths for producing country liquor illegally.
“We have launched a crackdown operation on drinking dens and those selling illicit brew,” said Angul Excise Superintendent PK Pattanaik.
Expressing concern over deaths, hundreds of people staged a demonstration at Bantala, demanding adequate compensation to the victims and stern action against people directly and indirectly involved in illegal liquor trade.
Senior BJP leader Rudra Narayan Pany demanded high level enquiry into the matter.
Similarly, SUCI leaders Nabakishore Pradhan and Mandodari Roul have demanded total prohibition and stern action against the culprits.