AT LEAST 11 DEAD, SEVERAL TAKE ILL AFTER DRINKING SPURIOUS LIQUOR IN UP’S ALIGARH

Eleven people died on Friday and several others took ill after they allegedly consumed spurious liquor sold by a licensed vendor in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh, an official said.

The Aligarh district excise officer and two others were suspended after the incident and departmental action has also been initiated against them, said additional chief secretary (excise) Sanjay Bhoosreddy.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident which will be conducted by an additional district magistraterank officer, district magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh said. The administration is likely to invoke the NSA against those found guilty, he said.

Earlier in the day, DIG Dipak Kumar said that the Lodha police station was informed in the morning about the death of two people after consuming countrymade liquor bought from a vendor in Karsia.

However, when police and senior district officials reached the spot, they were informed that six more people belonging to Karsia and adjoining villages had died, the DIG said. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, he said.

The DM said two liquor shops of the same licensee in the area have been sealed. “A case is being registered against licensee and others involved,” he said.

In Lucknow, officials said chief minister Yogi Adityanath has taken a strict view of the matter and directed officials to take tough action against those involved.