Nine people died in Tuensang district of ‘dry state’ Nagaland over the past few days, and the police said that the deaths were “circumstantially” linked to the consumption of spurious liquor.
The deaths were reported in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle village on September 10 and 11.
The district police in a statement said, “The deaths had been circumstantially linked to the consumption of suspected spurious or adulterated liquor,” while making it clear that the connection had not yet been conclusively established.
Scientific and forensic procedures, including post-mortem examinations in most cases, are yet to be completed, and the mortal remains have been taken for further examination, the statement said.
The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 bans the possession, sale, consumption, and manufacture of alcohol across the northeastern state.
Police received reports on Saturday about a pattern of deaths of people admitted to Tuensang Civil Hospital. Preliminary enquiries revealed that most of the deceased had reportedly consumed liquor prior to developing symptoms including blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
One of the deceased was reportedly found hanging, and the case is being investigated as suicide, police said.
The suspected liquor consumption has also emerged in connection with three members of a family who lost their lives, with the liquor reportedly purchased by one of the deceased from their premises.
The police said the suspected consumption of spurious liquor could not at this stage be scientifically and conclusively established.
Following the reports, Tuensang Police conducted search and raid operations throughout Tuensang town and the Chendang Saddle area, identifying and seizing suspected unauthorised or spurious/adulterated liquor.
During the operations, approximately 470 bottles of IMFL and beer cans were seized from different locations.
Police said widespread information dissemination and public awareness efforts have also been undertaken to alert the public about the risks associated with consuming liquor from unknown, unauthorised or suspected adulterated sources.
