Nine people died in Nagaland’s Tuensang district over September 10 and 11, prompting a police investigation into a possible link with the consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor.
The deaths were reported from Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle village. Police said preliminary inquiries have found circumstantial evidence suggesting that several of the victims had consumed alcohol before falling ill. However, authorities have stressed that the suspected liquor link has not yet been scientifically or conclusively established.
“Circumstantial” evidence has emerged in several cases, police said, while forensic examinations and other scientific procedures are being carried out. Post-mortem examinations have either been completed or are pending, and the mortal remains have been taken for further examination as part of the investigation.
According to preliminary findings, most of those who died had reportedly consumed liquor before developing symptoms including blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Police are examining whether the symptoms were connected to contaminated or adulterated liquor.
One of the deaths involved a person who was reportedly found hanging. Police are treating that case separately as a suspected suicide while continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
The suspected liquor connection has also emerged in the deaths of three members of the same family. Police said the liquor was reportedly purchased by one of the deceased from premises where it was allegedly available.
Following reports of the deaths, Tuensang Police conducted searches and raids at several locations in Tuensang town and the Chendang Saddle area. During the operations, officers seized suspected unauthorised or spurious/adulterated liquor. Around 470 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor and beer cans were seized, police said.
The investigation is also focused on tracing the source of the liquor and determining how it was supplied. Police are examining the possible involvement of people engaged in its sale or distribution.
Nagaland has enforced prohibition under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, which prohibits the possession, sale, consumption and manufacture of alcohol in the state.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid liquor obtained from unknown or unauthorised sources. People who experience blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after consuming alcohol have been advised to seek medical attention immediately and inform the nearest police station.
