Spurious liquor claims four lives in Odiaha, government orders probe

While one died at home, three others died while undergoing treatment at the hospital.

All the deceased belonged to Daulatpur and Nimaisahi villages under Tihidi Police station.

Sources said some people consumed liquor soon after the fourth phase of election was over yesterday.

All of them fell sick and complained of uneasiness and visibility problem.They were soon shifted to the hospital.

Sources said while one died in Nimasahi village,others died in hospital while undergoing treatment.

The victims were first rushed to the Tihidi Community Health centre and later to Bhadrak District headquarter hospital.

Latest report said three of the people undergoing treatment at Bhadrak District headquarter hospital were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack after their condition deteriorated.

After the news of deaths spread like wild fire, the local people blocked the Tihidi-Chandbali road near Pirhat in protest alleging negligence in treatment of the victims in the hospital.

Excise Secretary Nikunja Kishore Dhal said the Excise Commissioner has been asked to rush to the area and take stock of the situation.

He said massive raid has been launched in the area and samples of liquor will had been collected.

Dhal said a high level committee comprising of officials of Revenue, Health and Police department will jointly inquire into the incident and action will be taken against the people found guilty.

He said since the incident occurred on the day of Polling, the government has taken the issue very seriously.

As per the rule, liquor shops are closed 48 hours before the election, the committee will inquire where did they buy the liquor, he said.