Kohima: Eleven people are dead following a surge in suspected illicit liquor consumption in Tuensang and Chendang Saddle. Official reports hold the count at nine, but recent updates push the toll to 11. Families and local officials confirmed the new figures on September 15. The tragedy remains under investigation three days after the first reports reached the public on September 12.
District Hospital records show six patients arrived between September 10 and 12 showing identical symptoms. Every one of them died within hours of admission. Another person arrived dead on September 12, marking seven fatalities handled by the hospital. Authorities also treated three additional people. Two patients have been discharged, and one remains in recovery. A separate male patient admitted on September 12 is currently responding well to treatment.
Among the victims, a husband and wife died alongside a friend after sharing a single bottle of alcohol. The husband served as a policeman. Police and Excise officials have launched joint raids to seize illicit India-Made Foreign Liquor from local joints and suspected vending spots. Despite these seizures, investigators have not yet sent the alcohol samples to the laboratory for forensic testing. Sources admitted they could not explain the holdup.
District administration, police, and medical staff held a consultative meeting on September 14 to address the crisis. Officials told the meeting that "the denial of postmortem examinations coming in the way of the investigation." Authorities continue to intensify surveillance and seizures across the district while waiting for definitive proof of the cause of death.
Comments