Mokokchung police intensify probe into spurious liquor

DIMAPUR, SEP 25 (NPN): Mokokchung police have launched a detailed investigation to trace the source and supply chain of suspected spurious liquor linked to deaths and illnesses in Mangkolemba sub-division, with six persons arrested and suspected adulterated liquor seized so far.
According to Mokokchung police PRO, Mangkolemba police station has registered Case No. 002 under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 44(a), (c), (d) and (e) of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
Police said the investigation was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and illnesses, tracing the source and supply chain of the suspected spurious liquor and identifying all persons involved in its manufacture, transportation, distribution or sale.
Four people in Mangkolemba sub-division have died over the past few days following suspected consumption of adulterated or spurious MC Rum, while four others have reportedly fallen ill after consuming liquor.
Police said appropriate legal action would be taken against all persons found involved. The exact cause of the deaths and illnesses, however, remains under investigation and will be established through medical and other supporting evidence, police added.
Mokokchung police have also warned that liquor from the suspected source may have been distributed to other parts of the state, posing a potential risk to public health. The public has therefore been advised to refrain from consuming liquor and to report any suspected sale or storage of adulterated or spurious liquor, as well as information about its source and distribution.
Police have also urged anyone experiencing gastric pain, dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, severe headache or loss of consciousness after consuming liquor to seek immediate medical attention and inform the nearest police station or concerned authority.
The police said timely information would assist in providing treatment, preventing further casualties, tracing the distribution network and taking legal action. The police appealed to the public to cooperate with the investigation and help identify those involved in the alleged illegal trade and distribution of spurious liquor.
Public advisory: Meanwhile, additional deputy commissioner (ADC), Mangkolemba, has issued a public advisory following a public health alert from the Mangkolemba community health centre over consumption of suspected spurious liquor.
The advisory urged residents of Mangkolemba sub-division to refrain from consuming liquor, particularly from unknown, unauthorised, doubtful or suspected adulterated sources. It also advised anyone experiencing gastric pain, dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, severe headache or loss of consciousness after consuming liquor to immediately seek medical attention and inform the nearest medical centre, police station or concerned authority.
ADC further appealed to the public to provide any information regarding the sale of adulterated drinks in the sub-division to the ADC’s office or the nearest police station.