Villagers warned against using unclaimed liquor

: In view of rising number of deaths in last week’s hooch tragedy in Aligarh, the district police are making public announcements warning villagers not to consume liquor from unclaimed bottles found near canals and remote areas of the district.

The step was taken following deaths of 5 labourers, who had consumed spurious liquor recovered from a canal in Aligarh on Thursday.

On Friday too, unclaimed liquor bottles were traced from a canal in Akarabad in Aligarh by a labourer who died after consuming the illicit liquor.

As per rough estimates, so far over 100 people have died in the last week’s hooch tragedy. It is believed that those who possess the spurious liquor are now dumping them in remote places and canals to avoid police action.

“We have asked the public to inform the police at 112 about such liquor bottles. Vigil has been enhanced near canals and villages nearby to them. The police officials in nearby districts of Etah, Kasganj and Mathura have also been alerted and the irrigation department has also been urged to remain vigilant,” said SSP Aligarh Kalanidhi Nathani.

He said 17 cases have been registered and 40 accused sent to jail.