At least 19 individuals have died in Nagaland over the past two days, following the alleged consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor. This tragic event has prompted the state police to launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
According to reports from news agency PTI, eight deaths were recorded in Mokokchung district, while an additional 11 fatalities occurred in Tuensang. The Nagaland Police has since formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding these deaths.
The SIT, led by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang, is tasked with tracing the origin and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo stated that investigators are actively working to pinpoint where the illicit liquor originated and how it was distributed across the affected areas.
To aid the investigation, police have dispatched liquor and other relevant samples to Guwahati for forensic examination. These tests are crucial for definitively determining whether the suspected liquor was indeed responsible for the fatalities. While some leads have been obtained, officials caution that it is too early to disclose specific details before the forensic examination is complete.
In response to the deaths, authorities conducted multiple raids across the affected districts. These operations have led to the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of nearly 3,000 bottles of suspected illicit liquor. The police are also working to ascertain if this supply chain extends to other parts of the state.
Authorities have issued a public health warning, urging residents to avoid unidentified, unlabelled, or suspected illicit liquor due to the potential health risks. They have also advised anyone experiencing symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek immediate medical attention.
This incident occurs in Nagaland, a state where a prohibition law has been in effect since 1990, highlighting the persistent challenges in combating illicit liquor trade despite legal restrictions.