Balasore, Sep 1: In a late-night crackdown during Ganesh Puja immersion festivities, the Excise Department of Balasore seized liquor worth ₹1 lakh and arrested two individuals involved in illegal liquor trade.

Acting on a tip-off, officials conducted a raid in the Godhibasa area of Balasore town, where liquor was being smuggled and sold under the cover of the festive crowd.

The accused were reportedly transporting liquor from Mayurbhanj district in a new Bolero vehicle (OD01AW8182), which has also been seized. According to sources, the duo had been active in the region’s liquor trade for several days, targeting festive markets where demand surges and enforcement is often distracted.

The Excise Department confirmed that the operation was carried out based on confidential intelligence, and the arrested individuals were caught red-handed while attempting to distribute liquor during the immersion procession. The seized stock included both country-made and foreign liquor brands.

Officials stated that the festive season often sees a spike in illegal liquor sales, with traders exploiting the crowd and chaos to push contraband. The department has intensified surveillance and vowed to continue such operations to curb the menace.

The arrested individuals are being interrogated, and further investigations are underway to trace the supply chain and other accomplices.