Mokokchung Police and district authorities have launched raids on outlets suspected of selling spurious liquor following reports of sudden deaths and serious illness in parts of the Mangkolemba Sub-Division, even as authorities have not established any link between the deaths and adulterated alcohol.
In Mangkolemba, the Town Council, administration, police and Watsü Telen conducted raids on suspected liquor outlets on September 24 as a precautionary measure.
According to Supongtsüngba, Chairman of the Mangkolemba Town Council, four deaths have been reported in the Mangkolemba subdivision since Saturday. The deaths occurred in Mangkolemba, Dibuia and Merayim on different days over the past week, along with several cases of illness.
“Four have been referred to Mokokchung and Dimapur,” he said, referring to patients who required further medical treatment.
Senior SP Mokokchung Vesupra Kezo said police have not established spurious or adulterated alcohol consumption as the cause of the deaths and are in the process of registering a case at Mangkolemba Police Station.
“We will get to the bottom of it,” the SP said.
The concern has also extended to Merangmen Circle.
Rumbemo T Kithan, Border Magistrate, Tzurangkong, said the administration had received reports from the public regarding sudden deaths allegedly associated with alcohol consumption. Reported symptoms included vomiting, breathlessness and dizziness.
However, Kithan said there is no medical report at present establishing that the deaths were caused by adulterated liquor, particularly Mc Rum.
He said that in view of the reports of sudden deaths, the district administration, police and civil society organisations under the Mangkolemba Sub-Division decided to conduct raids and seize alcohol as a precautionary measure and to create awareness. The action resulted in raids on suspected liquor outlets on Wednesday morning.
Regarding alcohol seized in Merangmen Circle, Kithan said the Officer-in-Charge of Longtho Police Station has filed suo motu FIRs and an investigation will commence.
Meanwhile, the Mangkolemba Community Health Centre has issued a public health alert urging residents to abstain from consuming liquor, particularly from unknown, unauthorised, doubtful or suspected adulterated sources.
The alert advises anyone experiencing blurred vision, dizziness, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal or epigastric pain, difficulty in breathing, cyanosis or sudden deterioration after consuming alcohol to seek immediate medical attention.
It also advises the public not to consume or share any suspected bottle or container and to inform the police or health authorities if such liquor is found.
Dr Sentiyenla, Senior Medical Officer at CHC Mangkolemba, also informed that Food Safety officials are expected to arrive in Mangkolemba on Thursday.
The precautionary measures come amid recent deaths reported in Tuensang, where authorities are also investigating a suspected circumstantial link with alcohol consumption. The cause of those deaths has not been scientifically established.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue to assess the situation.