Jajpur: The state’s Excise Department, established on 1 December 1999 as a major revenue-generating wing of the government, is mandated to regulate the production, distribution and sale of liquor, and to curb illicit and counterfeit alcohol. However, allegations of growing corruption, administrative apathy and widespread illegal liquor trade in Jajpur district have raised serious concerns over public safety and law enforcement. According to social activist and journalist Sabyasachi Sahu, the excise administration in Jajpur has “collapsed”, allowing illegal narcotics and contraband trade to flourish in rural pockets. The unchecked sale of spurious liquor, country-made chemical-based brews, ganja, and even brown sugar has allegedly increased manifold in recent months, pushing the district toward a severe social crisis. While government-regulated liquor production is reportedly declining, the illegal market is said to be expanding rapidly, leading to rising addiction and related criminal activities. Despite frequent cases being registered in various police stations, Sahu claims that the prime accused in several illegal-liquor rackets continue to evade arrest. He further alleges that certain excise officials are “more focused on collecting bribes than enforcing the law”, enabling the black market to thrive. The Mobile Squad and Enforcement Team, which are meant to act against illegal operations, are accused of selectively visiting areas and collecting unofficial payments from bootleggers instead of conducting genuine enforcement drives. Sahu also highlighted alleged violations of government directives by the Jajpur Excise Superintendent, including the unauthorized sale of seized liquor, lax action against rising numbers of habitual offenders, and failure to curb the spreading network of illicit liquor manufacturers. In view of these concerns, Sabyasachi Sahu met Odisha’s Principal Secretary of Excise, Bhaskar Sharma, at the Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday (08.12.2025). During the meeting, Sahu reportedly submitted detailed documents and evidence outlining the prevailing situation in the district and urged the state government to initiate stringent action. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sahu stated that the Principal Secretary reviewed the submitted documents and assured him that a thorough inquiry would be conducted. Sharma also assured that appropriate measures would be taken to restore effective excise governance in Jajpur. The allegations have intensified demand for immediate intervention from the state government to curb the rising menace of illegal liquor and narcotics trade, which residents say is endangering lives and destabilizing families across the district.
