PHULPUR HOOCH DEATHS: ACCUSED PROPERTIES TO BE ATTACHED SOON

PRAYAGRAJ: Taking stringent action against those involved in spurious liquor trade, police have begun the exercise of identifying and evaluating properties of the named accused in the case of recent hooch deaths in Phulpur.

UP chief minister Yogi Aditynath had issued orders that properties of such accused be seized and auctioned so that the money generated could be given as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in the hooch tragedy.

At least seven persons had died and many others fell sick after consuming inferior liquor from a country liquor shop at Agarpatti village of Phulpur city between November 18 and 20. It was also reported that eyesight of some persons, who consumed spurious liquor, was affected.

Investigations further revealed that the license was issued in the name of one Sangeeta Jaiswal, wife of Shyambabu Jaiswal. As Shyambabu has past criminal record, he got the license issued in his wife’s name by hiding facts and forging documents.

Police said Shyambabu was also involved in selling spurious liquor in duplicate bottles of top liquor brands. Besides, Jaiswal used to store and sell illegal liquor with the help of his other accomplices. It was after the consumption of spurious liquor that villagers started vomiting and many of them lost their lives, they added. An FIR was lodged against seven persons including Sangeeta Jaiswal and her husband Shyambabu Jaiswal, and they were sent to jail. However, taking serious note of the incident, chief minister Yogi Adityanath had issued instructions to seize the properties of the accused.