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SIT to probe deaths
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 25
Even as the suspected alcohol poisoning deaths in Tuensang await closure, more fatalities similar in nature have been reported from Mokokchung. After reporting four deaths, on September 24, linked to consumption of illicit and adulterated India-made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), four more persons succumbed on September 25.
As told to The Morung Express by the police, Mangkolemba sub-division reported two more deaths earlier in the day, while in Aliba, under the Ongpangkong sub-division, one couple were reported dead under similar circumstances. They were said to be Adivasis, working in a farm.
The official total death toll in Mangkolemba rose to six, among which were two police personnel. According to police, the first victim was from Mangkolemba town, reported dead on September 19. Two more deaths were reported on September 23— one in Mangkolemba town and one in Merayim. The fourth victim succumbed in Dibuia on September 24, who was declared “brought dead” at the Community Health Centre (CHC), Mangkolemba. Two more died in the morning on September 25.
While unverified reports stated two more victims died in the Longnak area, under Mangkolemba sub-division, the total deaths confirmed by the Mokokchung police stood at 8, as on September 25, evening.
A report by the CHC, Mangkolemba, on September 24, listed the admission of four patients, with “suspected alcohol poisoning,” who were referred to better-equipped hospitals on September 22 and 23.
All the victims reportedly developed health complications after consuming bootlegged McDowell’s rum, a widely favoured brand in Nagaland.
In the wake of the suspected alcohol poisoning deaths, the Mokokchung police have instituted a Special Investigation Team headed by the Additional SP, Mangkolemba. Alcohol raids were conducted across the district resulting in the confiscation of 2292 bottles of whisky, rum and vodka, and 496 units of canned beer. Nineteen persons were arrested during the raids.
Police sources said that the raids covered Mokokchung town and all sub-divisions of the district.
