DIMAPUR, SEP 13 (NPN): Nine deaths reported in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle on September 10 and 11 have been found to have direct or indirect circumstantial links with alcohol consumption, according to Tuensang Police, which has launched an investigation into the deaths.
In a press note, Addl. SP & PRO Tuensang Police said that following reports received on September 12 regarding a pattern of deaths among persons admitted to Tuensang Civil Hospital, preliminary enquiries revealed that most of the deceased had reportedly consumed liquor before developing symptoms including blurring of vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
However, police said consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor could not be scientifically and conclusively established as the cause of the deaths at this stage. Further scientific and forensic procedures are being undertaken. In most cases, postmortem examinations were not conducted as the mortal remains had been taken for funerals before police became aware of the pattern.
Police said the present assessment was based on available medical records, preliminary enquiries and other information gathered during the investigation.
The investigation is aimed at ascertaining the circumstances of the deaths, source and nature of the liquor consumed and fixing possible responsibility.
Police also said three of those who died were members of a family from whose premises the deceased persons had reportedly purchased liquor. One person, reportedly a family member of the seller, died by hanging and is being investigated as a case of suicide.
PRO said police conducted search and raid operations across Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle to identify and seize suspected unauthorised or spurious/adulterated liquor.
During the operations, around 470 bottles of IMFL and beer cans were seized from different locations.
Police have also undertaken public awareness measures and advised people to avoid purchasing or consuming liquor from unknown or unauthorised sources, or liquor suspected to be adulterated, tampered with or of doubtful quality.
People developing symptoms such as blurring of vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting after consuming liquor have been advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform the nearest police station or concerned authorities.
Police appealed to the public to cooperate with the investigation, refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information and rely on official updates.
Police said that since the source of the liquor remains unclear, people have been urged to abstain from consuming liquor.
Excise dept launches investigation
DIMAPUR, SEP 13 (NPN): Excise & Prohibition department, Nagaland has initiated inquiries into recent reports of suspected deaths in the State following consumption of alleged spurious/contaminated liquor and launched necessary enforcement action to ascertain the source and nature of the liquor.
In a public advisory, commissioner of Excise H. Atokhe Aye said the department was coordinating with other concerned authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with law.
The department also urged the public to exercise utmost caution and strictly refrain from consuming liquor in view of the reported incidents. Aye said the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 prohibits the possession, sale, consumption, manufacture, import and export of liquor in the State.
He said the situation underscored the serious risks associated with illicit and unregulated liquor. Aye advised the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected manufacture, possession, sale or distribution of illicit liquor to the nearest Excise office.
He said the advisory was issued in the interest of public safety and strict enforcement of the prohibition law.