The Odisha government has constituted a state-level committee under the leadership of additional director general (ADG), Crime Branch, to keep a tab on the shortage and black marketing of Covid-19 medicines and supplies.

Crime Branch ADG Yaswant Kumar Jethwa told reporters, “Flying squads have been constituted to keep a tab on the movement of medicines. While seven flying squads would work in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack another 15 flying squads would work in the rest of the state. They will conduct intensive drive to ensure that there is no hoarding and black marketing of medicines.”

Jethwa warned of criminal action if anyone indulged in unethical practices. As per the state government order, it would conduct raids and verify the stocks. The district police and commissionerate police will assist and coordinate with the special squads to ensure that there is no illegal trade of these essential medicines.

The team includes members of the enforcement wing of Drug Controller, Crime Branch and police. The ADG claimed that they have not yet received any complaint of any illegal trade of Covid medicines though they have come across media reports in this regard.