Seven persons died after consuming spurious liquor in Baghpat and Meerut on Wednesday. While a case was registered at the local police stations, the state government ordered a probe into the tragedy.
In Baghpat, natives of Chandinagar have been complaining of sale of spurious liquor even by government liquor shops.
On Wednesday evening, Shyamlal of Chamarwal village in Thana Chandinagar bought country liquor from a shop. After consuming it, his condition deteriorated and he died on Thursday morning. When his family blamed hooch for his untimely death, the police became active. Subsequent inquiry revealed that five persons had died after consuming spurious liquor since Wednesday.
Later, angry locals alleged that spurious liquor was being sold by government contractors from their shops and a local villager was involved in the scam.
Gram pradhan Pradeep alleged that the local police were intimated about the malpractice several times in the past but they did not seem interested in taking action.
Meanwhile in Meerut, two villagers died after consuming alcohol in Jani area, sending shock waves.
Pawan and his neighbour Jagpal Kashyap from Dalit community used to live in Mirpur Jakheda in Jani police station area. On Tuesday night, the duo bought liquor from a person selling spurious liquor in the village. Their condition deteriorated after consuming the liquor and they were rushed to a hospital where they died on Wednesday night.
As the news broke, officials rushed to the village and sent the bodies for autopsy and ordered a probe.
On his part, the district excise officer denied that spurious liquor resulted in the deaths of Pawan and Jagpal.