19 die in Nagaland after consuming suspected spurious liquor; SIT formed
At least 19 people have died in Nagaland after consuming suspected illicit liquor, prompting police to set up an SIT and arrest 19 people.
At least 19 people have died in Nagaland after allegedly consuming spurious liquor, police said, even as the state grapples with a prohibition law that has been in force since 1990.
The deaths were reported across two districts over the past two days. Mokokchung district recorded eight fatalities, while Tuensang district accounted for 11, according to police.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the deaths and trace the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor. The team is headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang, Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said on Saturday.
Samples have been sent to Guwahati for forensic examination to determine the cause of the deaths. "We have obtained some leads, but it is too premature to disclose details," Kezo said.
In the wake of the deaths, police carried out multiple raids, arresting 19 people and seizing close to 3,000 bottles of liquor.
Authorities have advised people to avoid consuming unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor. They have also urged anyone who develops symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.