Bhubaneswar, Apr 5: To ensure free and fair elections in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Excise Commissioner of Odisha, Narasingha Bhol (IPS) on Friday said that 38 excise border check posts have been established to check illegal liquor transportation in the state.

While talking to ANI, the Excise Commissioner of Odisha said, "To ensure a free and fair election, the distribution of liquor is a prime concern. So preventing the illicit distribution of liquor is a concern. So we have started extensive raids against illicit distribution of liquor."

"In the last 3 months 14,000 people have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. In addition to that more than 1,000 vehicles have been seized to check the trafficking of liquor from bordering states," Narasingha Bhol added.

"We have coordinated with the state police department to establish 38 excise border check posts in Odisha-West Bengal, Odisha-Jharkhand, Odisha-Chhattigarh, and Odisha-Andhra Pradesh," he further added.

The Excise Commissioner further stated that in the state, every district has formed a district mobile unit that collects intelligence and starts raids of liquor illegally. We have 3 Mobile squads and a state flying squad.

"We have launched a special drive against the illegal transportation of ganja and Brown sugar which is also a matter of concern. In the last 3 months liquor, ganja and brown sugar which seized with a monetary value is Rs 26 crore.

Bhol also said that those who are involved in the crime and are criminals from other states, help us to nab the criminals through coordination with other states.

Lok Sabha elections in Odisha, which comprise 21 constituencies, are set to take place in four phases. The voting dates have been scheduled for May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.

(ANI)

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