Bootleg Tragedy: 12 Die After Drinking Illicit Liquor in Roorkee

Similar incident of deaths have been reported in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur and Kushinagar.

Screengrab from the emergency unit and OPD ward where the patients have been admitted.

(Photo: The Quint)

At least 12 people have died in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, after consuming illicit liquor on Friday, 8 February. In connection with the case, 13 excise officials have been suspended reported ANI.

Similar incident of deaths have been reported in Uttar Pradesh, where, in separate incidents, at least 12 people died on Friday after drinking spurious liquor in Saharanpur and Kushinagar, reported Zee news.

After taking cognisance of the deaths, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had asked to provide immediate medical help to the victims.

CM Adityanath instructed Chief Secretary Excise Joint Operation and Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) to take strict action against those responsible.

Yogi Orders Action, Ex-Gratia

Taking note of the recent hooch deaths in the state, Adityanath on Friday ordered a 15-day joint drive by excise and police officials against those involved in the spurious liquor trade.

The chief minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each victim, and help of Rs 50,000 each to those undergoing treatment, an official release issued said.

The chief minister has ordered departmental action against district excise officers of Kushinagar and Saharanpur, the release said.

Directing the officials concerned to ensure proper medical treatment of those taken ill after consuming the corrupted hooch, the chief minister directed the DGP of the state to fix responsibility of police officers of the affected districts, it said.