JOIN USAfter the death of 18 more people, the toll in the hooch tragedy in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district, has gone up to 40.
With over 12 people admitted to the hospital in critical condition, the toll is likely to climb further, officials sources said on Saturday.
According to reports, the victims hail from Naraon, Adampur, Chakia and other adjoining villages in the district.
Reports said that the victims had bought liquor from a local vendor identified as Bhura Chauhan of the nearby Dampur village on Wednesday night. They complained of dizziness and loss of sight soon after consuming the liquor and were rushed to hospitals.Incidentally Bhure also consumed the liquor and is among the deceased.
Four police personnel and six excise officials, including the district excise inspector Om Prakash Singh, had been suspended in this connection and a magisterial inquiry has also been ordered.
District officials said that the spurious liquor that was consumed by the victims appeared to be rectified spirit.
Four years ago, as many as 14 people had died in the same area after consuming liquor.
Illicit liquor kill hundreds of people every year in Uttar Pradesh villages.There have been several agitations in the past by the local people against the illegal liquor vendors but to no avail. The illegal liquor vends are operated in connivance with the local police.