UP: 10 die after drinking spurious liquor, Adityanath orders probe
What's the story
Spurious liquor has once again destroyed families, this time in Uttar Pradesh. In Barabanki district of the state, 10 people died on Monday night after consuming hooch.
Out of the ten deceased, four belonged to the same family.
The tragic incident prompted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to order an investigation. He also expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
Here's what went down.
What happened
Those who consumed liquor fell ill almost instantly
The incident happened in Raniganj area of Ramnagar. The deceased had purchased liquor from a shop owned by one Danveer Singh.
Those who consumed the liquor complained of vomiting and other problems. They were rushed to Ramnagar Community Health Center (CHC). Later, they were referred to the district hospital.
Unfortunately, five people died while undergoing treatment at CHC itself.
Details
Inspector and circle officer were suspended
Those who died in the incident were residents of Raniganj, Amrai, Tatehra, and Akohara villages.
The deceased were identified as Chote Lal (62), his three sons Ramesh (35), Sonu (25) and Mukesh (28); Rajesh (30), Ramesh Kumar and Suryabhan (27), Rajendra Verma (45), Gautam (41) and Mahendra (38).
Notably, Inspector of Ramnagar station Rajesh Kumar and Circle Officer Pawan Gautam have been suspended.
Action
Adityanath directed senior officials to take appropriate action
Taking serious note of the matter, CM Adityanath asked senior officials to take stern action against the guilty. He said the loss of innocent lives pained him.
The BJP leader is learned to have told the principal secretary (excise) to probe the matter immediately.
Reportedly, two excise inspectors and three constables could be suspended. Orders to arrest the shop owner have also been issued.
Twitter Post
Here is what Adityanath tweeted
I am saddened by unfortunate loss of innocent lives due to consumption of spurious liquor in #Barabanki.
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) May 28, 2019
Instructed DM SP to take all possible measures to nab the culprit and provide assistance to bereaved families. Have asked Pr. Sec. Excise to investigate take stern action.
Previous incidents
Earlier this year, hooch killed over 100 people
To recall, over 100 people had died in February after consuming spurious liquor in Uttarakhand and UP.
Subsequently, police had arrested more than 215 people and filed cases against 297.
Back then, Adityanath hinted at a political conspiracy and blamed Samajwadi Party. He had said, "In Azamgarh, Hardoi, Kanpur, and Barabanki, SP leaders were found to be involved in past hooch tragedies."