Nine die in dry Nagaland’s Tuensang; deaths ‘circumstantially’ linked to spurious liquor: Police

Nine people died in two days in dry Nagaland’s Tuensang district recently, and the police on Sunday said that the deaths were “circumstantially” linked to the consumption of spurious liquor.  
The deaths were reported in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle village on September 10 and 11.

The district police, in a statement, said, “The deaths had been circumstantially linked to the consumption of suspected spurious or adulterated liquor,” while making it clear that the connection had not yet been conclusively established.
Scientific and forensic procedures, including post-mortem examinations in most cases, are yet to be completed, and the mortal remains have been taken for further examination, the statement said.
The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 bans the possession, sale, consumption, and manufacture of alcohol across the northeastern state.

Police received reports on Saturday about a pattern of deaths of people admitted to Tuensang Civil Hospital. Preliminary enquiries revealed that most of the deceased had reportedly consumed liquor prior to developing symptoms including blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

One of the deceased was reportedly found hanging, and the case is being investigated as suicide, police said.

The suspected liquor consumption has also emerged in connection with three members of a family who lost their lives, with the liquor reportedly purchased by one of the deceased from their premises.
The police said the suspected consumption of spurious liquor could not at this stage be scientifically and conclusively established. 

Following the reports, Tuensang Police conducted search and raid operations throughout Tuensang town and the Chendang Saddle area, identifying and seizing suspected unauthorised or spurious/adulterated liquor. 
During the operations, approximately 470 bottles of IMFL and beer cans were seized from different locations.

Police said widespread information dissemination and public awareness efforts have also been undertaken to alert the public about the risks associated with consuming liquor from unknown, unauthorised or suspected adulterated sources.

The Tuensang Police are conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the source and nature of the liquor consumed, and to pinpoint possible responsibility for the incident.
Police have advised the public to avoid purchasing or consuming liquor from unknown or unauthorised sources and to refrain from consuming liquor suspected to be adulterated or of doubtful quality.

People who develop blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after consuming liquor have been advised to immediately seek medical attention and inform the nearest police station.
The police have also urged people to inform the nearest police station or concerned authorities regarding the sale, distribution or availability of suspected spurious/adulterated liquor and to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
As the source or origin of the liquor remains uncertain, police appealed to the public to remain vigilant and refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information.

The police said they remain in contact with medical and health authorities and urged the public to cooperate with efforts to safeguard public health and safety.