Assam hooch tragedy toll rises to 84

GUWAHATI: As many as 84 people are dead after consuming spurious liquor in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, confirmed Assam’s Excise Department.

The officials of the department said at least 40 people have been admitted in various hospitals.

Golaghat Deputy Superintendent of Police Parthopratim Saikia said, “As many as 40 people are being treated in hospitals in Golaghat and Jorhat”.

“Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the deaths in a Facebook post saying, “I am saddened by the incident which occurred in Assam’s Golaghat area. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I hope that those undergoing treatments get well soon.”

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who visited the hospitals, announced ex-gratia of Rs. 200,000 to the family of each of the deceased and Rs50,000 of those admitted in hospitals.

“We have ordered an inquiry to identify the guilty and take action against them,” he said.

Seven persons arrested

Excise department said seven persons have been arrested so far and booked under non-bailable sections and over 10,000 litres of country liquor destroyed.

The deaths come less than two weeks after more than 70 people died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand from consuming illegally produced local alcohol.