Bhanu Chandra Goswami, the District Magistrate of Prayagraj, said the exact cause of the deaths can be confirmed only after autopsies and sample reports of the liquor.
On Friday, in Amilia village of Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, six people have died and at least 15 are admitted to a hospital after allegedly consuming suspected illicit liquor, NDTV reported.
The victims consumed country liquor from a shop last night, the locals said. Several people fell ill soon after. Based on initial evidence, the husband-wife duo, who ran the liquor shop, have been arrested.
Bhanu Chandra Goswami, the District Magistrate of Prayagraj, said the exact cause of the deaths can be confirmed only after autopsies and sample reports of the liquor.
“A team of district officials reached Amilia village after receiving information about the deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor,” the official was quoted as saying. He also added that the samples of liquor have been sent for testing.
Reporters were told by locals that the liquor shop owners have a number of cases against them for selling smuggled liquor and yet they have around three liquor shops in the area.
“Even after selling stolen liquor and fake liquor, these people have been running three shops in the area, there are so many cases against them,” a local said, according to NDTV.
Her son Anil, who has now been admitted to hospital, fell ill soon after drinking liquor, an elderly woman told NDTV.
“He fell ill after drinking liquor today from the shop in Amilia village,” she said.
The case is being investigated and if found guilty, the culprits will be punished, Prayagraj DM assured.
Over 100 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Uttarakhand last year, which triggered the arrest of over 130 people for selling and manufacturing illegal liquor.
Over 175 people have died since 2011 in UP due to consumption of adulterated liquor.
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