'Effective mechanism required to curb illicit liquor'

Deaths of over 155 persons after consuming toxic country liquor in Assam has prompted the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to call for an effective mechanism to curb the menace of illicit country liquor in the country.

“The law is very much in existence to deal with this menace but in view of the present scenario, it seems that there is a need to sensitize the police and the excise authorities in the states to be more active and vigilant so that precious human lives are not lost. An effective mechanism is required to be evolved to curb the unlawful network of spurious liquor manufacturers and distributors who are playing with the lives of the innocent people,” the commission said in a statement.

Taking a suo-motu cognizance of the deaths, the NHRC on Tuesday sought a detailed report from Assam government within four weeks regarding the action taken against officials, who failed to prevent the tragedy and the assistance provided to victims and their families.

“A few days ago, the Commission had expressed concern over the death of people in hooch tragedy in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand but as apparently, the state authorities had failed to take effective measures and stringent action against the errant officials and the violators of law. It appears that this issue of spurious and illicit liquor is not restricted to one or two states rather it has become a serious issue at the national level,” the commission observed.

More than 155 people, including 45 women, mainly tea garden workers have died so far in two districts—Golaghat and neighbouring Jorhat after consuming toxic liquor. Nearly 300 others are still admitted in hospitals. The DH had earlier highlighted how harmful chemicals like urea and rotten jaggery was used to prepare the illicit liquor.

“The commission also expects from the union home secretary to issue necessary directions to the director generals of police of all the states and Union Territories calling upon them to look into the matter personally and issue relevant guidelines to enhance police patrolling and vigil in the affected areas of their states and take strict legal action against the culprits. If necessary, special teams at the district level be constituted to clamp down on the perpetrators of law, in an effective manner. Response from the union home secretary is expected within four weeks,” the NHRC statement said.