Jagran correspondent, Bhubaneswar. Despite strict instructions from the government to stop illegal liquor trade in the entire state including the capital Bhubaneswar, the ground reality is telling something else.
Illegal drug dealers are running their business without any fear in different areas of the city. The situation is such that black liquor is easily available 24×7 in the capital, due to which anger among the common people is increasing.
Local people say that this is not a hidden thing. The outlets for sale of illegal liquor are openly active in the localities and settlements. Despite this, questions are being raised over the lack of effective action by the police and excise department. People allege that the raids conducted by the departments have become a mere formality, which has no visible impact at the ground level.
Sale of illicit liquor continues till late night in many wards of the city. Along with anti-social elements, the youth are also falling prey to it. Due to this, incidents like theft, assault and domestic violence are also increasing. Local residents say that despite repeated complaints, action is limited to a limited extent.
The allegation is also that it is not possible to run such a huge network without the connivance of some personnel of the police and excise department. Due to the information about the raid being leaked in advance, businessmen become alert and the action proves to be futile. At the same time, big businessmen are also being accused of getting a free hand by taking action in small matters.
The government has given strict instructions on illegal liquor, but the situation in the capital seems to defy those instructions. People are demanding that instead of cosmetic action, a concrete and continuous campaign should be carried out, action should be taken against the guilty officials and a direct attack should be made on the roots of illegal liquor trade, so that the capital can be freed from this trap of drug abuse.