LUCKNOW: Toxic liquor that was consumed by residents of Malihabad and Unnao villages a couple of days back has so far claimed 32 lives, while leaving over 100 affected, including a dozen critical ones, who are being treated in various hospitals here. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has suspended two dozen officials, including Excise Commissioner Anil Garg, even as a magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the tragedy.
The police sources said while there have been 24 deaths in Malihabad villages, eight casualties have been reported from Unnao. The death toll could further go up as many are still battling for their lives at the Medical College’s trauma centre that is packed to its capacity.
Tragedy struck over half-a-dozen villages in Malihabad and Unnao after they consumed spurious country-made liquor that is reported to have been made in Datli village of Malihabad. While 17 deaths were reported on Monday, another 15 died on Tuesday. The police have so far arrested three persons, while hunt is on to nab their accomplices. The Chief Minister announced Rs. 2 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased.
