Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on Saturday clarified that the news of ban on liquor across the state was fake and appealed to the people not to be misled by such rumour.
A post in social media on the day stated that the state government would impose a blanket ban on India Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and country liquor from August 15. All the shops selling the IMFL and country liquor would be closed from the Independence Day, it mentioned.
The post soon became viral as it evoked strong reaction from the people with many of them condemning the government move.
Following this, the Information and Public Relations Department posted a clarification in X (formerly Twitter). It stated that the news was false and misleading and made an appeal to the people not to believe it.
“Be aware of such fake news being circulated in the social media. Always believe in the facts and data provided by government sources,” the post said.
The department also warned those posting such fake news. “Restrain from spreading such rumour through social media. It is illegal,” the post mentioned.