Kohima: Tuensang Police have seized around 470 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and beer cans from different locations in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle following a series of deaths circumstantially linked to alcohol consumption.
According to the police, nine deaths were reported in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle on September 10 and 11. According to police, the deaths have a direct or indirect circumstantial linkage with alcohol consumption, but the suspected consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor has not yet been scientifically established as the cause.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Tuensang Police said search and raid operations were conducted across the two areas to identify and seize suspected unauthorised or spurious/adulterated liquor.
Police said preliminary inquiries indicated that most of the deceased had consumed liquor before developing symptoms including blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
The police said scientific and forensic procedures are being undertaken to establish the cause of the deaths. Post-mortem examinations were not conducted in most cases as the mortal remains had already been taken for funerals before police became aware of the pattern of deaths.
Police also said one person, reportedly a family member of a liquor seller, died by hanging and the case is being investigated as suicide.
According to the police, three of those who died were members of the same family from whose premises the liquor was reportedly purchased by the deceased.
The police said the investigation is focused on determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the source and nature of the liquor consumed and possible responsibility for the incident.
Meanwhile, police have advised the public to avoid liquor from unknown or unauthorised sources and to refrain from consuming liquor suspected to be adulterated, tampered with or of doubtful quality.
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People who develop blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or other unusual symptoms after consuming liquor have been advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform the nearest police station or concerned authorities.
Police have also appealed to the public not to spread rumours or unverified information and to rely on official updates.
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