Assam hooch tragedy: death toll rises to 143

The death toll in Assam’s hooch tragedy has reached up to 143, while 331 people are undergoing treatment in various hospitals of Golaghat and Jorhat.

Guwahati

The death toll due to consumption of spurious liquor by people in Golaghat and Jorhat districts mounted to 143 till today morning.

In Golaghat district the toll rose to 85 from 59 yesterday, while in Jorhat district the number of deaths went up to 58 from 43 last night.

Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya  visited the Golaghat District Swahid Kushal Konwar Civil Hospital and inquired about the conditions of the liquor victims admitted there.

The minister heard complaints and grievances from the public regarding illicit liquor trade and directed the authorities to take action against people involved in it. He said no government official or staff would be spared if they fail to take action to stop illicit liquor trade.

According to Golaghat Deputy Commissioner Dhiren Hazarika the latest figure of deaths in Golaghat district was 85 of which 54 were males and 31 females. He said over 100 people were undergoing treatment at hospitals. He said the number of liquor victims coming to hospitals has come down today.

  Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya  visited the Golaghat District Civil Hospital

Hazarika said with two more persons were arrested in connection with the spurious liquor case, taking the total number of arrests in Golaghat district to eight. He added that raids by police and excise officials were continuing.

Jorhat Deputy Commissioner Roshni A Korati told that the total number of deaths in Jorhat district stood at 58. Among the dead were 43 male and 15 female, Korati said.

A total of 326 liquor victims, including those from Golaghat district, are admitted in the Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH), the deputy commissioner said, adding, Minister Pijush Hazarika visited JMCH to enquire about the health conditions of the liquor victims.