Update by Tuensang Police on suspected alcohol tragedy in Tuensang.
• Deaths occurred over 2 days • Reports surfaced on Sept 12
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 13
Among the victims of the suspected spurious alcohol tragedy in Tuensang included three members of a family. According to the Tuensang police, they happened to belong to one family from whose premises the liquor was allegedly purchased.
Other sources told The Morung Express that also among the victims were a police personnel, said to be security guard of an MLA, and a couple.
The police confirmed nine deaths on September 13, a day after the Nagaland police chief announced the tragic incident on social media.
A press release from the Tuensang police on Sunday, meanwhile, informed that the deaths were reported from Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle on September 10 and 11.
Reports of an unusual pattern of deaths among patients admitted to the Tuensang District Hospital surfaced on September 12.
“Preliminary enquiries revealed that in most of the cases, the deceased had reportedly consumed liquor prior to developing symptoms such as blurring of vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting,” it said.
It however remained circumstantial. While all the deaths share “a direct or indirect circumstantial linkage to alcohol consumption,” the release said that the suspected intake of spurious or adulterated liquor has yet to be scientifically or conclusively established pending forensic analysis.
One of the nine deaths, involving a family member of the liquor seller, is being investigated as a suspected suicide after the person was found hanging.
Investigation hurdles
The release further pointed out a major hurdle to the investigation. No post-mortem was conducted because the mortal remains had already been claimed and taken for funerals before the deaths were reported. As a result, the police assessment was largely based on available hospital records, preliminary interviews, and circumstantial evidence.
It added that a thorough investigation was on in tandem with medical and forensic examinations in coordination with relevant authorities to determine the nature and chemical source of the liquor.
In the wake of the fatalities, the Tuensang police launched search and raid operations across Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle. Around 470 bottles of IMFL and beer were confiscated from different locations.
With the source and origin of the consignment still unconfirmed, the police have issued public advisory urging citizens to abstain entirely from consuming alcohol, particularly from unauthorised or doubtful sources.
Residents experiencing symptoms such as sudden blurred vision, acute headaches, vomiting, or dizziness after consuming alcohol have been advised to seek immediate medical care. The police further appealed to the public to report any sale or distribution of suspected spurious liquor to the nearest police station, avoid circulating unverified rumors, and cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
It was not included in the police release but official sources said that the investigation will be jointly conducted with the Department of Excise and Prohibition.
