Cong demands Lokpal probe into Cuttack hooch tragedy

Cong holds Govt responsible in hooch traged

-- demanded resignation of Excise Minister

PNS

BHUBANESWAR: Once again opposition party dragged the Government into trouble by demanding resignation of Excise Minister in hooch tragedy, in which 27 people were killed and others were under treatment at SCB Medical and Hospital at Cuttack.

Pradesh Congress Committee held the BJD Government responsible in the hooch tragedy happened on Tuesday at Mahidharpada in Cuttack district. The party said the Government is busy in poll campaign and still it has no reaction towards the case.

PCC President Niranjan Patnaik expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family.

He has sent his team members including Sibananda Ray, Bijaylaxmi Sahu, Narendra Mishra and Ashok Samal to the spot.

PCC General Secretary Arya Kumar Jnanendra said the administration of the State is going downward. “If it happens in nearby areas of capital, what we will tell about Kandhamal and Kalahandi,” said Jnanendra. The party also demanded a special probe by State Lokpal instead of the judiciary probe which takes much time. The leaders also demanded Rs 10 lakh to each victim’s family and free treatment for the victims who were treating in the hospital.

On the other hand, Youth Congress in a Press statement said the hooch tragedy is the outcome of illegal nexus between Excise Minister and liquor mafias along with administration in the State. The State Government failed to control illegal brewing of hooch by liquor mafias in Ganjam, Khurda, Cuttack and Nayagarh, said president of Youth Congress Sangram Keshari Jena.