Uttar Pradesh hooch tragedy toll 9, prime accused held

LUCKNOW - Two more people, including the prime accused, have been arrested in connection with a hooch tragedy that till now has claimed nine lives in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district, police said Thursday.

“The prime accused Nate has been arrested. Another woman involved in selling spurious liquor was also nabbed along with him. The two were arrested late Wednesday,” police Inspector D.P. Tiwari told reporters in Allahabad.

Two other accused, including a woman, were arrested Wednesday in connection with the hooch tragedy that has claimed nine lives in the Mau Aima town, some 200 km from Lucknow, since Tuesday.

“Two more deaths were confirmed late Wednesday. Now, a total of nine people have died after consuming illicit liquor and four people, including two women, have been arrested,” said Tiwari.

Police had earlier termed the deaths as “natural” but district authorities later confirmed that spurious liquor was the cause behind the loss of life.

Deputy Inspector General (Allahabad) B.B. Sharma told reporters: “Investigations reveal that several other people could also be involved in the illegal trade. Police along with excise officials are making every effort to nab them.”

A magisterial inquiry in the case is underway and four policemen and three excise officials have already been suspended for negligence, officials said.