At least 19 people, mostly women, have been killed after consuming spurious liquor in Halmira tea estate in Golaghat district of eastern Assam since last evening, with the casualty figure likely to increase.
Official sources said today that 17 deaths have occurred in the Swahid Kushal Konwar Civil Hospital at Golaghat town, while two bodies were reportedly cremated without bringing to the hospital, taking the current toll to 19.
More than 20 people are hospitalized at Golaghat, while over 10 have been referred to the Jorhal Medical College and Hospital at Jorhat.
‘We are still in the process of collecting data on the people taken ill or death and the casualty figures could increase,’ the sources said.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the victims fell sick after consuming spurious country liquor, with local people revealing that the victims had reportedly consumed liquor while attending a marriage ceremony.
Raids are reportedly being conducted to collect samples of the liquor consumed by the victims.
Meanwhile, Mrinal Saikia, under whose Khumtai constituency the tea estates falls, rushed to the area after attending the morning session of the state Legislative Assembly.
He demanded strong action against Excise department officials, alleging that their negligence has led to loss of these lives.
