Nagaland: Now four suspected dead after consuming spurious liquor in Mangkolemba

Mokokchung, September 24 (MExN): Four persons in Mangkolemba Sub-Division have reportedly died in recent days following suspected consumption of spurious/adulterated MC Rum, according to Mokokchung Police. 

Four others have also reportedly fallen ill after consuming liquor, informed a press release from PRO Mokokchung Police.

Six persons have so far been arrested in connection with the incident. 

The Mangkolemba Police Station has also registered a case, Case No. 002, under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 44(a), (c), (d) & (e) of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989.

Six persons have so far been arrested, while suspected adulterated liquor has been seized in connection with the case, the PRO release informed. 

Police said a thorough investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances leading to the deaths and illnesses, trace the source and supply chain of the suspected spurious liquor, and identify all persons involved in its manufacture, transportation, distribution or sale. 

Appropriate legal action will be taken against those found involved, it added.

The exact cause of the deaths and illnesses remains under investigation and will be subject to medical and other supporting evidence, police stated.

In view of the incident, Mokokchung Police advised the public to refrain from consuming liquor and cautioned that liquor from the suspected source may have been distributed to other parts of the State.

Police further advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as gastric pain, dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, severe headache or loss of consciousness after consuming liquor to immediately seek medical attention and inform the nearest police station or concerned authority.

The public has also been urged to report any suspected sale or storage of spurious/adulterated liquor, or information regarding its source and distribution, to the police.

Mokokchung Police solicited public cooperation in preventing further casualties and identifying those involved in the alleged illegal trade and distribution of spurious liquor.

The incident comes days after a similar suspected spurious liquor case in Tuensang, where nine deaths were reported in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle on September 10 and 11.

Police said the deaths had a direct or indirect circumstantial link with alcohol consumption, while the exact cause remained subject to scientific and forensic investigation.

With this, the number of deaths in Nagaland this month reportedly linked to the consumption of suspected spurious/adulterated liquor has risen to 13.