Seeks reports from govt, police, Excise
DIMAPUR, SEP 30 (NPN): Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on the deaths of 20 people in Mokokchung and Tuensang districts allegedly after consuming spurious or adulterated liquor, and directed the state government and concerned authorities to submit detailed reports within four weeks.
In an order dated September 30, 2026, the Commission noted that media reports put the death toll at nine in Mokokchung and 11 in Tuensang. NSHRC said the reported circulation and sale of suspected spurious liquor raised serious questions about the protection of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and the adequacy of preventive and enforcement measures by public authorities.
The Commission made clear that it was drawing no conclusions at this stage on the precise cause of death, the source or composition of the liquor, or the culpability of any individual or public servant, as those matters remained subject to investigation and forensic examination.
NSHRC, however, said the scale of the incident warranted an independent human-rights inquiry into whether there had been negligence in preventing violations of human rights and whether adequate preventive, regulatory and enforcement measures were in place.
The Commission has directed the chief secretary to submit a comprehensive report and clarify whether a Special Investigation Team has been constituted.
It said the report must also state whether interim relief or compensation has been sanctioned or proposed for the families of the deceased and those who suffered serious injury or illness.
The chief secretary is further required to examine any possible dereliction of duty, negligence or failure of preventive enforcement by public servants or authorities in connection with the manufacture, transportation, storage or sale of the suspected liquor.
DGP has been ordered to provide details of the deceased, FIRs registered, arrests, seizures and searches, as well as information on the suspected manufacturers, distributors, transporters and sellers.
NSHRC said the report must include the status of forensic examinations, details of those who fell ill and the medical treatment provided, along with measures taken to prevent further circulation or consumption of the suspected liquor.
Further, the excise department has been asked to report on the statutory and administrative mechanisms for preventing the manufacture, possession, transportation and sale of prohibited or spurious liquor, and on enforcement arrangements in the affected districts.
The commission said the department must also supply details of seizures, prosecutions and enforcement action relating to illicit liquor in Mokokchung and Tuensang over the preceding three years, including any prior complaints, intelligence inputs or information concerning the suspected source or network.
The deputy commissioners and police authorities of Mokokchung and Tuensang have been directed to submit separate reports on the incident and the action taken by the district administration, police and other departments.
They must also identify the next of kin of each deceased person and provide details of any financial assistance, ex-gratia relief or medical help extended to affected families.
NSHRC has also directed health and family welfare department to furnish details of treatment given to surviving victims, the number still undergoing treatment, and the medical assistance and follow-up arrangements made for them.
NSHRC directed that all reports are to be submitted to the Commission within four weeks of receipt of the order.
If the reports disclose prima facie negligence or dereliction of duty, the concerned authorities must indicate the departmental or other action proposed, without prejudice to any ongoing criminal investigation.
The Commission has also sought details of long-term measures to prevent a recurrence, including inter-departmental coordination, intelligence gathering, enforcement, public awareness and emergency medical response.
It said the order was an interim procedural measure and should not be construed as a finding of guilt, negligence or culpability against any individual, public servant or authority. The matter has been listed for November 5, 2026.