Balasore, Oct 29: In a major crackdown on illegal liquor trade, a joint team from the Balasore Mobile Squad and the Baliapal Excise Department conducted raids across multiple locations in Baliapal block, including Narayanpur, Kaliakhai, and Jambhirai.

Acting on persistent complaints about unauthorized country and foreign liquor sales, the nine-member team seized liquor worth over ₹1.5 lakh.

The operation, carried out late Tuesday night, led to the arrest of six individuals — three women and an identical number of men — who were allegedly involved in the illicit trade. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation, while the main kingpin behind the operation remains absconding.

Also read: Odisha Police SI Exam Scam: Bail Granted To 114 Aspirants

The raids targeted shops and homes suspected of storing and selling illegal liquor. Officials confirmed that the seized stock included both country-made and foreign brands. The crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb illegal alcohol distribution in the region.

In a separate and tragic incident in Baliapal, a youth named Surendra Hati from Gohiragadia village under Basta police station died after being bitten by a venomous cobra.

The incident occurred early Wednesday morning while Surendra was cleaning the prayer room in his house ahead of a religious ritual.

According to family members, the snake was hiding inside the room and bit Surendra during the cleaning. He was immediately rushed to Basta hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The sudden death has left the local community in shock.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious during seasonal changes when snake sightings increase.