- 19 deaths reported in Nagaland from suspected spurious liquor.
- SIT formed to investigate supply chain in Mokokchung, Tuensang.
- Police arrested 19, seized 3,000 bottles of illicit liquor.
Nagaland Tragedy: At least 19 people have died in Nagaland allegedly after consuming spurious liquid, leading to panic among the locals. As per the officials, the tragedy happened in two districts- Mokokchung and Tuensang, where these deaths were reported in the last two days. A special team has been formed to probe the matter and trace the supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor in Nagaland, where a strict prohibition law has been in place since 1990.
Deaths Reported In 2 Districts
While providing details, the officials stated that while eight deaths were reported in Mokokchung district, the remaining deaths happened in Tuensang district, reported news agency PTI. Vesupra Kezo, Senior Superintendent of Police, stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang, has been formed to probe the deaths.
'SIT Formed To Trace Supply Chain'
Apart from this, the special team has also been directed to trace the supply chain and source of the adulterer liquid. The senior official further stated that the sample of liquids has been sent to Guwahati for forensic examination to decode the exact reason behind the deaths. "We have obtained some leads, but it is too premature to disclose details," Kezo was quoted as saying by the news agency.
19 Arrested, Bottles Seized
The Nagaland police have conducted multiple raids following the deaths and have arrested 19 suspects so far. Apart from this, the authority has also seized around 3,000 liquor bottles to cut the supply chain. Apart from this, the state police has also advised the residents of these districts to avoid drinking unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor to ensure safety.
The individuals with symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol have been suggested to seek medical care on an immediate basis.