UKHRUL: The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of 10 people in Nagaland’s Tuensang district over three days, amid suspicion that spurious or adulterated liquor may be involved.
Nine deaths were reported from Tuensang and Chendang Saddle village between September 10 and 12. According to Tuensang police, the deceased had a direct or indirect circumstantial link to alcohol consumption, with preliminary findings indicating that they had consumed liquor before developing symptoms including blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Police have raised suspicion of spurious or adulterated liquor, although no scientific or conclusive link has so far been established. Authorities said determining the cause has been complicated as most of the bodies were taken for funerals before a possible pattern or connection could be established.
Police added that the preliminary assessment was based on medical records, enquiries and other available information. Local sources told Eastern Mirror on Sunday that the actual toll could be higher, with some deaths possibly going unreported.
Three of the deceased belonged to the same family, from whose premises liquor was reportedly purchased. The death of another person, who was reportedly a family member of a liquor seller who died by suicide, is being investigated separately.
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As part of the investigation, police conducted raids in Tuensang Town and Chendang Saddle and recovered around 470 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor and beer cans. The source and nature of the seized liquor, along with the circumstances surrounding the deaths, are under investigation.
The NPCC has called for the identification of the manufacturers, suppliers, transporters and sellers involved and sought stringent action against those found responsible. It also demanded an inquiry into possible negligence, failure or complicity by the Excise & Prohibition Department, police and other enforcement agencies.
The party sought immediate ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased and appropriate assistance for those undergoing treatment. It also called for the public disclosure of forensic and laboratory findings and the outcome of the investigation.
The NPCC further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation and enforcement of the prohibition law. It added that when prohibited and potentially poisonous liquor is able to circulate in a prohibition state and results in loss of lives, the government owes the people an explanation.
The party called on the State Government to fix accountability and take effective measures to prevent a recurrence.
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Meanwhile, the Excise & Prohibition Department has issued a state-wide advisory asking the public to exercise caution and avoid consuming liquor in view of the recent deaths. The department said it was conducting inquiries and enforcement measures in coordination with other authorities to ascertain the source and composition of the suspected liquor.
Members of the public have been urged to alert the nearest Excise office about any suspected manufacture, possession, sale or distribution of illicit liquor.
