Hyderabad tragedy: 5 killed, 31 hospitalised after drinking adulterated toddy

Hyderabad: In a tragic development, the death toll from consuming adulterated toddy in Hyderabad has climbed to five, with authorities suspecting the number may continue to rise.

The tragedy unfolded on Sunday when numerous people who had consumed the spurious liquor at five liquor compounds in Kukatpally were hospitalised with severe health complications.

Most victims were regular drinkers who initially dismissed their symptoms as routine stomach pain. The crisis escalated on Monday evening as victims began arriving at hospitals in increasing numbers.

When 15 people simultaneously sought treatment at a private hospital in Hyder Nagar, officials recognised the severity of the situation and immediately transferred them to NIMS Hospital for specialised care.

Patients from other medical facilities were also consolidated at NIMS. By Thursday, the death toll at NIMS had reached five.

Currently, 31 patients remain under treatment at the facility, with doctors reporting that three are in critical condition. An additional six people are receiving care at Gandhi Hospital, while seven others are being treated at various private hospitals across the city.

Officials suspect that an excessive dosage of alprazolam or other harmful chemicals added to enhance the toddy's intoxicating effects caused the fatalities. During raids, excise staff discovered 66 grams of white powder at a liquor shop in KPHB Indiranagar, though the substance has yet to be identified.

The severity of the poisoning is evident in the patients' deteriorating conditions. With creatinine levels rising significantly, one victim named Devadas is undergoing dialysis, while doctors have decided that another patient also requires dialysis treatment. Another victim is being treated on a ventilator.

In response to the incident, excise police have registered five cases at Balanagar Excise Station and two cases at KPHB Police Station against the adulterated liquor operators. Seven people have been taken into custody. Officials have collected 350ml liquor samples from four shops and sent them for testing while seizing and destroying 674 liters of liquor.