Nagaland Excise launches probe into alleged spurious liquor

Advises public to ‘strictly refrain from consuming liquor’

Dimapur, September 13 (MExN): The Excise & Prohibition Department, Nagaland, has launched an inquiry into the source and nature of alleged spurious liquor following the deaths of at least nine people in a suspected case of spurious liquor consumption in Tuensang district.

The department, in coordination with other concerned authorities, has initiated immediate inquiries and necessary enforcement action to ascertain the source and nature of the suspected spurious liquor. 

Appropriate action would be taken after the probe in accordance with law, the Department stated in a public advisory.

It further urged people to exercise utmost caution and ‘strictly refrain from consuming liquor,’ citing the serious risks associated with illicit and unregulated liquor.

The department also reiterated that the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 provides for the prohibition of the possession, sale, consumption, manufacture, import and export of liquor in the State.

The public has been advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected manufacture, possession, sale or distribution of illicit liquor to the nearest Excise office.

The advisory came after at least nine people reportedly died in Tuensang after allegedly consuming spurious liquor.

According to information shared by Nagaland Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma on his official Facebook page on September 12, the deaths were reported at the Civil Hospital in Tuensang.

He further urged in the state not to consume liquor, especially in the districts of Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamator and Noklak. Others were requested to abstain from consuming liquor as a precautionary measure.