Politics · India Bureau
Nagaland spurious liquor deaths toll reaches 19 in two days
Police in Nagaland have launched a special investigation after 19 deaths linked to consumption of suspected adulterated liquor across two districts. Authorities have formed a dedicated team to trace the supply chain of illicit alcohol in the state.
LSN India ·
At least 19 people have died following suspected consumption of spurious liquor in Nagaland over the past 48 hours, authorities confirmed on Saturday. Mokokchung district reported eight fatalities while neighbouring Tuensang district recorded 11 deaths, police said.
A Special Investigation Team headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang has been constituted to probe the deaths and identify the source and distribution network of the contaminated alcohol. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said forensic samples had been dispatched to Guwahati for laboratory analysis to determine the exact cause of deaths. "We have obtained some leads, though it remains premature to disclose details at this stage," he added.
In response to the incident, police conducted multiple raids across affected areas, resulting in 19 arrests and the seizure of approximately 3,000 bottles of liquor. The deaths underscore ongoing challenges with illicit alcohol production in Nagaland, which has maintained a prohibition law since 1990. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution while investigations into the supply chain continue.