Illegal Liquor Transport Racket Under Scanner in Khordha; One Arrested

15 litres of ASKA-40 seized during raid at Gurujanga; scooter allegedly used for transportation also impounded

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 4: The seizure of 15 litres of illicit liquor from Gurujanga in Khordha has once again brought the issue of illegal transportation and sale of liquor in the district under the police scanner, with investigators now probing the possible supply and distribution network behind the consignment.
Khordha Model Police Station conducted a raid at Gurujanga Gini Factory on Thursday and arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the alleged illegal transportation of liquor for sale. Police identified the arrested person as Rajat Mohapatra (28), son of Padmacharan Mohapatra of Dewan Sahi, Gurujanga, under Model police station limits in Khordha district.

According to police, the raid was carried out as part of intensified enforcement against the illegal possession, transportation and sale of liquor. During the operation, police allegedly intercepted the accused and recovered 75 bottles of ASKA-40, each containing 200 ml. The total quantity of liquor seized was 15 litres, which had reportedly been packed in three cotton boxes.A scooter bearing registration number OD-02-BB-9824 was also seized during the raid. Investigators suspect that the two-wheeler was being used to transport the liquor. The seizure of both the liquor and the vehicle is expected to form an important part of the investigation into the alleged transportation chain.

Police said the accused failed to produce any valid licence or authorisation for possessing and transporting the liquor. During questioning, he allegedly admitted to being involved in the illegal sale of liquor.
However, investigators are now expected to establish whether the seized consignment was intended for individual sale or formed part of a wider illegal distribution network. The source from which the liquor was procured, the intended destination of the consignment and the persons who may have been involved in supplying or receiving it are among the aspects that could come under investigation.
The seizure has also raised questions about the use of local routes and two-wheelers for transporting smaller consignments of liquor. Such transportation can make detection more difficult compared with large-scale movement by commercial vehicles. Investigators may examine whether similar consignments have previously been transported through the area and whether there are recurring links between suppliers, transporters and local sellers.
Following the seizure, Khordha Model Police Station registered Case No. 526/26 dated September 3, 2026, under Section 52(a) of the Odisha Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016.
The accused was arrested and subsequently forwarded to the court of the SDJM, Khordha, for judicial remand.
The police investigation is now expected to focus on tracing the origin of the seized liquor and identifying possible associates, if any. Investigators may also examine the ownership and previous use of the seized scooter as part of the probe.
The latest seizure comes amid continuing enforcement efforts against the illegal liquor trade in Khordha district. While individual seizures often involve relatively small quantities, enforcement agencies have increasingly been looking at the supply chain behind such consignments rather than limiting action to the persons found transporting or selling the liquor. The crucial question now is whether the Gurujanga seizure represents an isolated instance or a link in a larger network involved in the unauthorised distribution of liquor.
Further investigation is underway.

Report : Dillip kumar Pattanaik