MOKOKCHUNG, OCT 16 (NPN): Three more persons from Assam have died in a suspected adulterated liquor incident at Longphayimsen village under Longtho Police Station in Mokokchung district, PRO Mokokchung police said. The total death toll in Mokokchung and Tuensang districts has risen to 23.
Police received information from the Longphayimsen Village Council chairman at around 10:30 p.m. on October 15 about the death of Chungkai (50) at Rajmati, Longphayimsen village, around 7-8 km from Longtho Police Station. The death was suspected to be linked to adulterated liquor consumption.
Police later received a report about the death of Samuel (24) at the Health and Wellness Centre, Longphayimsen, under similar circumstances. On October 16, police were informed that Bubai Urang (36) had died at around 9:45 p.m. after receiving treatment at PHC Tsurangkong.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the three men had allegedly consumed MC Rum at the residence of one of the deceased on the night of October 14. They reportedly developed symptoms including giddiness, nausea and blurred vision. Chungkai and Samuel were taken to the Health and Wellness Centre, where they died during treatment, while Bubai died after treatment at PHC Tsurangkong.
According to the PRO, preliminary enquiry indicated that Bubai had purchased four bottles of rum from New Sonowal, Assam, about a month earlier. The three allegedly shared the liquor at Chungkai’s residence on October 14. The wife of one of the deceased has been identified as a witness.
All three were residents of Assam engaged in agricultural work and were temporarily staying at Longphayimsen village.
The bodies of Chungkai and Samuel were taken to IMDH, Mokokchung, for post-mortem examinations. Further investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of death and trace the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor. Relevant exhibits will be sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Kolkata, for chemical analysis.
PRO said no liquor remnants were recovered from the scene or residence during the preliminary search. Police said the matter was being treated seriously and necessary legal action would follow based on the findings.
The suspected involvement of adulterated liquor and the exact cause of death remain subject to medical and forensic confirmation.
Saturday, October 17, 2026