Four persons have died and four others have reportedly fallen ill in Mangkolemba Sub-Division following suspected consumption of adulterated or spurious liquor, according to Mokokchung Police.
In this connection, Mangkolemba Police Station has registered a case vide Case No. 002 under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with relevant provisions of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act.
“So far, six persons have been arrested, and suspected adulterated liquor, has been seized in connection with the case,” the police stated.
It further added that a “thorough investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances leading to the deaths and illness of the victims, to trace the source and supply chain of the suspected spurious liquor, and to identify all person involved in its manufacture, transportation, distribution or sale.”
The exact cause of the deaths and illness remains under investigation and will be determined based on medical and other supporting evidence, police said.
“Public is cautioned that there is a possibility that liquor from the suspected source may have been distributed te ther places in the State and consumption of such liquor may pose a serious risk to life and health,” it added.
Mokokchung Police have cautioned the public against consuming liquor, particularly from unknown, unauthorised or suspected sources, saying there is a possibility that liquor from the suspected source may have been distributed to other parts of the State.
The public has been advised to immediately seek medical attention after consuming liquor if they experience symptoms such as gastric pain, dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, severe headache or loss of consciousness.
Police have also urged the public to report suspected sale or storage of spurious or adulterated liquor and provide information on its source or distribution.