Chandbali: Amid allegations on proliferation of bootlegging in rural areas of Bhadrak district, women, who have been crusading against illegal liquor trade, tied three bootleggers including a woman to a tree at Chadadia in Chandbali block Sunday.
The two male bootleggers were beaten up after being tied to the tree. Police rescued the bootleggers from the clutches of the women and took them into their custody.
Locals alleged that illegal liquor trade has been rampant in various parts of Chadadia. Two months ago, a youth had died after consuming hooch in the area.
Police had assured locals that they would take action against the bootleggers, but illegal activity could not be brought under control, locals alleged.
Women of a self-help group had complained to the Bansada police station about the rampant bootlegging Saturday.
A day after the complaint was lodged liquor traders were found in the area and were furious at the development.
The villagers said that they lost faith in the police and took the law into their hands.
They caught three liquor traders while some others managed to escape. Some women were injured in the attack by liquor traders. Police seized 48 bottles of liquor.
PNN