Nabarangpur, Odisha: A massive anti-liquor protest erupted in Boripadar village under Dabugam block of Nabarangpur district, where more than 3,000 women reportedly marched against the proposed reopening of a closed country liquor outlet. The protesters allegedly broke into the premises, removed materials kept inside and set them on fire.
The protest took place on Friday, November 6, 2026. Carrying sticks and raising slogans against liquor, the women demanded that the authorities withdraw the proposal to reopen the outlet.
Women march to block office before targeting liquor outlet
The protest began with a march from Bhairab Temple in Dabugam towards the block office. Representatives of the protesters, along with political leaders, submitted separate memorandums to Block Development Officer Samir Patra, Tehsildar Geeta Murmu and Dabugam police station in-charge Lachhmi Paraja.
Through their memorandums, they demanded that no liquor outlet be allowed to operate at Boripadar village.
After submitting their demands, the protesters continued their rally through Jayantinagar and Dangariguda before reaching the closed liquor outlet. They allegedly broke open its doors, brought out plastic drums and other materials and set them on fire.
Police personnel were present at the location to maintain law and order. However, they reportedly could not prevent the protesters from setting the materials ablaze. Fire services personnel from Dabugam later reached the spot and brought the fire under control, facing resistance from the crowd.
Proposed licence renewal triggers opposition
The liquor outlet had reportedly remained closed for the past few months, with its premises lying unused. However, the Excise Department had reportedly started the process of renewing its licence and inviting tenders for its operation.
According to the report, authorities were planning to issue the licence on November 12. The proposed move triggered strong opposition among local residents, who did not want the outlet to resume operations.
The protesters argued that reopening the liquor outlet could negatively affect families and the social environment in the surrounding villages. They called on the administration to withdraw the proposal and prevent the outlet from becoming operational again.
Political leaders join the protest
The demonstration also witnessed the participation of several political representatives and local leaders. Dabugam MLA Manohar Randhari, Nabarangpur Zilla Parishad chairman Motiram Nayak, former MP Ramesh Majhi, former Nabarangpur MLA Sadasiva Pradhani and BJD’s Dabugam block president Surendra Kumar Mishra were among those present.
The protest highlights the strength of local opposition to the proposed reopening of the liquor outlet. The demand from residents remains clear: they want the administration to stop the proposed operation of the outlet in Boripadar.
The women protest in Nabarangpur has brought renewed attention to the local anti-liquor campaign and the demand for administrative action against the proposed reopening of the outlet.
