E-Paper
Toll in Azamgarh liquor tragedy climbs to 18
The liquor tragedy that began to unfold on Thursday night in Azamgarh district, has claimed 8 more lives taking the toll to 18.
The toll in the liquor tragedy in Azamgarh district of Uttar Pradesh rose to 18 with eight more men dying on Saturday but the administration has confirmed only 12 deaths.
District Magistrate CB Singh has ordered a probe into the tragedy.
The eight men who had fallen ill after drinking spurious country-made liquor in different villages in Raunapar and Jiyanpur areas were admitted to government hospitals after their condition turned critical. While four of them died in hospitals, the other four died on way to the BHU hospital, Varanasi.
The tragedy began to unfold late Thursday night in Raunapur area. In the intervening night, ten people had died.
Police have launched an operation against illicit liquor producers.
“Nine people have been arrested from different locations in Raunapar and Jeeyanpur area of the district, Azamgarh superintendent of police Ajay Sahani told HT.
A case has been registered against the nine men under relevant sections of the IPC. Further investigation are on, he said.
Five police teams have been deployed to arrest those involved in selling spurious liquor.
The exact cause of death would be clear after the post mortem report, the district excise officer said.
A three member team comprising joint excise commissioner JB Singh, additional excise commissioner Ram Sagar Tiwari and joint excise commissioner Gorakhpur zone SP Rao visited Jiyanpur and Raunapur villages on Sunday where they recorded statement of the kin of the deceased.
