Berhampur: After around six months of the hooch tragedy at Chikiti in Ganjam diastrict,Odisha excise commissioner Narasingha bholo reached Chikiti today to enquiry.On 19/8/2024,as many 25 persons of Jenapur fell sick after consuming illicit brew at Maundpur near Chikiti and under K.Nuagaon PS limits.They were admitted to Chikiti CHC and later the district administration shifted them to MKCG MCH.However,five of them Jur behera,Loknath behera,Baya sethy,Pradip behera and Laxmana behera succumbed under treatment.The incident created much hue an cry in the state and even led to a verbal duel between BJP and BJD.Meanwhile,11 persons were arrested by police and excise inconnection with the hooch trade,but the king pin still atlarge.The vicera of the deceased sent for test to ascertain the poisonous contents,whose reported also not yet publicised.Soon after the mishap,the state govt first announced to enquire into the incident by RDC(SD) and later by the board of revenue member,which too not yet started.On the otherhand ,allegations mounted that attempts are being made to hush up the case.Follwoing the allegations,today the excise commissioner along with excise officials reached Chikiti and interacted with the family members of the hooch victims at Jenapur.The victims family has alleged that except Rs 30K from district red cross fund,no compensation were given to them.However the Chikiti king family paid Rs one lakh each to the families of the five deceaseds.The villagers has alleged that,the persons who were sick after consuming the hooch,though were treated and discharged,but are yet to recover fully.
