Assam: Hooch tragedy toll touches 143
Guwahati, Feb 24(UNI/IBNS) Assam's worst-ever hooch tragedy has so far claimed over 140 lives with the toll on the rise on the fourth day today since the first deaths were reported.
The death toll in Golaghat district has touched 85, official sources said, while in bordering Jorhat district, it stood at 58, putting the total figure at 143.
The figure could still increase as more than 100 people are still hospitalized, some in critical condition.
The sources added that the situation is slightly better now and patients are returning home.
Meanwhile, state Excise minister Parimal Suklabaidya today visited the affected parts and took stock of the situation.
The Excise department has intensified it's drive against illicit spurious liquor across the state following the deaths.
The state government has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those hospitalised.
Multiple high level enquiries have also started into the incidents and samples of spurious liquor collected and sent for forensic test.
The first deaths were reported from Halmira tea estate in Golaghat district on February 21 night.
The deaths have been allegedly caused by consuming spurious illegal distilled liquor, locally called 'sulai'.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
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