Liquor mafia attacks raid party, 20 injured

Rourkela: Twenty people, including five informers and 15 officials from excise and police departments, were injured in a violent clash with alleged liquor mafia during a raid in Karlakani village on Thursday morning.

Two informers sustained critical injuries and were rushed to Rourkela Government Hospital, while three others are undergoing treatment at Rajgangpur community health centre (CHC). The remaining officials received minor injuries and were discharged after first aid.

The incident took place around 6:30 am when a joint team of Rourkela excise officials and police, led by Bargaon range inspector Pramod Kumar Banua, conducted a raid following tips about illegal liquor production in the village.

According to officials, around 50 villagers, including suspected liquor mafia members, attacked the raid team with firewood when questioned about illegal distillation. The attackers specifically targeted the informers, resulting in severe injuries, including fractured limbs.

"We have registered a case against 12 villagers based on the FIR filed by Bargaon range inspector. The accused are currently absconding, but we expect to make arrests soon," said M R Pradhan, IIC, Rajgangpur police station. SDPO (Rajgangpur) and local police officials visited the village for investigation.