19 Die After Consuming Suspected Illicit Liquor in Nagaland; Nearly 3,000 Bottles Seized

Kohima: At least 19 people have died in Nagaland after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor, prompting police to launch a major investigation into the source and distribution network of the illicit alcohol.

According to police, eight deaths were reported in Mokokchung district and 11 in Tuensang district over the past two days. Authorities have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and identify those involved in supplying the suspected adulterated liquor.

SIT formed to trace liquor supply chain

The SIT is headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said investigators have obtained some leads but that it was too early to disclose further details.

Samples of the suspected liquor have been sent to Guwahati for forensic examination. The tests are expected to help establish whether the liquor was contaminated and determine the cause of the deaths.

19 arrested, nearly 3,000 bottles seized

Following the deaths, Nagaland Police carried out multiple raids across the state. Nineteen people have been arrested, while authorities seized close to 3,000 bottles of liquor suspected to be linked to the illegal supply network.

Police are continuing to investigate the source of the liquor and the chain through which it reached consumers.

Nagaland has prohibition law since 1990

The incident comes in a state where a prohibition law has been in force since 1990. Despite the legal restrictions, illicit liquor continues to pose a challenge for enforcement agencies.

Authorities have issued an advisory asking people to stay away from unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor.

Police issue health warning

Police have also urged anyone who develops symptoms after consuming suspected illicit alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.

The warning specifically mentions symptoms including dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness.

The investigation remains underway, with forensic reports expected to provide further clarity on the substance involved and the exact cause of the deaths.