India: 8 die in Ghatampur hooch tragedy

KANPUR: There is no stop in death cases in Ghatampur hooch tragedy which has risen to eight now, as news reports said. As many as four villagers are still in critical condition. A pall of gloom pervades in three villages of Ghtampur owing to deaths occurring daily. All the victims had consumed liquor being sold illicitly through the grocery shops in several villages of Ghatampur.

In view of the prevailing situation, a magisterial enquiry has been ordered. Along with this action, the District Excise Officer, RK Mishra has also been suspended forthwith. Taking tough action four policemen had already been suspended. Police and PAC have been deployed in three villages like Khadr, Bhelsa and Sukhaiyapurwa to avoid any untoward incident.

As many as eight persons have been arrested and 14 persons have been detained for questioning in regard to the production of illegal liquor. However, a drive against spurious liquor was also launched across the district on Tuesday. As many as ten teams have been deployed to conduct search operation of the spurious liquor sellers. On Wednesday the police team raided a shop at Chhatta Singh Purwa and seized country-made liquor bottles.