Sambalpur: People of Canalpada in Talab village within Sasan police station limits in Sambalpur district have alleged that a local liquor trader contaminated tube wells, wells and vegetable fields with acid and other toxic substances, after being asked to stop liquor sales in the area. More than 10 tribal and dalit families are facing acute shortage of safe drinking water amid severe summer scarcity. Locals claimed the accused deliberately poured acid and toxic materials into water sources and farmland, damaging vegetable crops and creating panic among villagers. Affected families submitted a written complaint to the Sambalpur district administration, seeking immediate action. Sambalpur collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar said officials have been directed to inquire into the allegations. “If found to be true, strict action will be taken and a formal complaint will be lodged,” he said.IIC, Sasan police station, Prabir Tripathy said an inquiry is underway. “The facts will be clear after the probe,” he added.
