Nagaland: At least 19 people have died in Nagaland over two days after allegedly consuming spurious liquor, according to reports. Mokokchung recorded eight deaths, while Tuensang reported 11, police said.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang has been formed to investigate the deaths and trace the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor.
Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said police have obtained some leads but it was too early to disclose details. Samples of the suspected liquor have been sent to Guwahati for forensic examination to determine the cause of the deaths.
Following the incidents, police conducted multiple raids across the state, arrested 19 people and seized nearly 3,000 bottles of liquor.
Nagaland has had a prohibition law in place since 1990.
Police have advised people to avoid unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor. Authorities also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek immediate medical attention.
The investigation will focus on identifying those responsible for supplying the suspected adulterated liquor and determining the exact cause of the deaths.
