At least 19 people have died due to the consumption of toxic liquor in Nagaland, India. According to the police, these incidents occurred in the Mokokchung and Tuensang districts. Authorities reported 8 deaths in Mokokchung and 11 in Tuensang. Senior Superintendent of Police Wesupra Kejo from Mokokchung stated that the first report of four deaths due to adulterated liquor consumption came on Thursday. Following this, police launched immediate raids in the area to investigate. So far, seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the adulterated liquor. The suspects are believed to have sold the toxic liquor consumed by the victims. The police have urged the public to exercise caution and avoid consuming alcohol.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Tuensang district police indicated that by September 11, nine deaths had already occurred due to toxic liquor consumption. On September 12, Tuensang police received a report of a death related to alcohol consumption at the civil hospital. The majority of victims had reportedly consumed liquor. Police subsequently conducted multiple raids across various locations, seizing more than 470 bottles of suspected toxic liquor. In the interim, two additional deaths were reported in Tuensang. Police have recovered over 3,000 bottles of liquor and arrested more than 15 individuals during ongoing raids in both districts. Authorities have advised the general public to avoid consuming unlabeled or unidentified liquor. They also warned to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, or breathing difficulties occur after drinking.
Nagaland has imposed a ban on alcohol since 1990. To investigate the incidents and trace the source and supply networks of the illegal liquor, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang has been formed. The forensic science laboratory in Dimapur confirmed that methanol was detected in samples of suspicious liquor sent by the Tuensang police; however, detailed quantitative tests are being conducted at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Guwahati.
