Kohima: Tainted liquor has killed eight people in Mokokchung. The death toll climbed as four more victims succumbed on September 25. These fatalities follow four earlier deaths reported on September 24. Police believe illicit and adulterated India-made Foreign Liquor caused the tragedy.
The victims reportedly suffered after drinking bootlegged McDowell’s rum. Deaths were recorded across multiple locations. Mangkolemba sub-division reports six deaths, including two police personnel. One Adivasi couple died in Aliba while working on a farm. Victims also perished in Dibuia and Merayim. A report from the Community Health Centre in Mangkolemba on September 24 noted the admission of four patients with "suspected alcohol poisoning" who were referred to other hospitals.
Authorities are not taking this lightly. Mokokchung police formed a Special Investigation Team led by the Additional SP to hunt for answers. Raids hit every sub-division and Mokokchung town. Officers seized 2,292 bottles of whisky, rum, and vodka, along with 496 cans of beer. Nineteen people now sit in custody. Official confirmation puts the toll at eight as of the evening of September 25.
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