Khallikote, Sep 3: In a continued crackdown on illegal liquor trade, the Excise Department and local police conducted a successful raid near Talapada under Khallikote police limits, seizing 80 litres of country-made liquor and a motorcycle used for transportation.

One individual, identified as P. Pavan from Aska, was arrested and later produced in court.

The raid was carried out based on a tip-off received by the Excise Department, which has been actively monitoring the rise in illicit liquor activities in the region. Pavan was reportedly transporting the liquor from Guhariapat to Aska when the police intercepted him.

The operation was led by Inspector Balak Bishi of Chhatrapur Sadar Excise Station, Tejaswini Pradhan of Khallikote Model Excise Station, and ASI Ipili Lakshman Rao, along with other staff members. Their coordinated efforts resulted in the swift seizure and arrest.

Authorities have intensified surveillance in Khallikote and surrounding areas following a surge in illegal liquor distribution. The Excise Department has vowed to continue its efforts to dismantle such networks and ensure public safety.

This raid is part of a broader campaign to curb the production and sale of illicit liquor in Ganjam district, which has seen multiple enforcement actions in recent months.