Suspected toxic liquor claims seven lives in Bilaspur, 20 others fall ill
seven dies, 20 others sick after consumption of intoxicated liqour
Bilaspur | Correspondent: Seven people died while 20 others fell sick of which 4 are serious and are under treatment in CIMS hospital in Bilaspur after intake of alleged contaminated traditional liquor Mahua in Bilaspur.
The deceased have been identified as Dallu Patel, Shatrughan Devangan, Kanhaiya Patel, Komal Lahare, Baldev Patel, Ramu Sunahle and Komal Devangan.
According to the information received, one died on Wednesday following which two more people died on Thursday.
Initially the villagers thought the death might be because of some disease or illness, but after a continuous four deaths reported on Friday the villagers suspected that the liquor distributed in the village during the elections campaigning was poisonous.
As the villagers had been consuming the Mahua liquor for several days.
However, the reason for the death is still not confirmed.
Mahua liquor has been distributed in the Lofandi village of Koni police station area for the past three four days during the election campaigning.
Villagers after consuming began falling sick.
When the sudden deaths included Ramu Sunahle brother of the village sarpanch Ramdhaar Sunahle, triggered panic in the village prompting immediate police intervention.
Police officials were informed after which they initiated an investigation.
The bodies have been sent for the post-mortem to examine the exact cause of the death.
Villagers have alleged that the illegal sale of Mahua liquor has been rampant in the area for a long time.
Despite repeated complaints, they claim that the police and excise department have taken only superficial action.
Investigation Underway
Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh stated that an investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the liquor.
Authorities are awaiting post-mortem and forensic reports to ascertain the cause of death.
Meanwhile, the police and administration remain on high alert in the village.
Residents are being questioned, and samples of food and liquor from various locations, including a recent wedding ceremony, are being collected for analysis.
