At least 19 people have died in Nagaland over two days after allegedly consuming spurious liquor, according to police. Eight deaths were reported from Mokokchung district, while 11 people died in Tuensang district.
Following the deaths, Nagaland Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the incident and identify the source of the suspected adulterated liquor. The SIT is being headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang.
Police said samples of the suspected liquor have been sent to Guwahati for forensic testing. The examination is expected to help determine the exact cause of the deaths and establish whether contaminated liquor was responsible. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said investigators had obtained some leads but that it was too early to reveal further details. Authorities are also working to trace the supply chain through which the suspected illicit liquor reached consumers.
As part of the investigation, police carried out several raids across the affected areas. So far, 19 people have been arrested and nearly 3,000 bottles of liquor have reportedly been seized. Nagaland has had a prohibition law in place since 1990, making the sale and consumption of alcohol illegal in the state. The latest incident has once again raised concerns about the dangers associated with illegally produced and unregulated liquor.
Police have urged people to stay away from unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor. Authorities have also advised anyone who experiences symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing problems or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.