Expressing grief over the hooch deaths in Saharanpur and Kushinagar, Rashtriya Lok Dal spokesman Anil Dubey said that had the state government taken preventive measures after similar deaths in Lucknow, Unnao, Kanpur and other districts, the latest tragedy could have been averted.
Dubey demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakh each of the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh to those undergoing treatment.
The RLD leader said that more than 60 persons had died due to the apathy and negligence of district administration while several were battling for their lives in hospital.
“This incident has made it clear that the Bharatiya Janata Party government has done nothing to prevent sale and manufacture of hooch in the state ,” he said.
Dubey said illicit liquor was being brewed on a large scale in the state in connivance with police and excise department personnel. He also said the action taken by the police and Excise department was just an eyewash as those challaned for preparing spurious liquor were labourers or small time workers while the real culprits were always allowed to slip through the net.
The RLD spokesman demanded stern action against the liquor mafia.