Seven suspended after hooch claims six lives

LUCKNOW - Four policemen and three Uttar Pradesh officials have been suspended for negligence after spurious liquor claimed the lives of six people in Allahabad district, authorities said Wednesday.

Six people died after drinking illicit liquor Tuesday in Mau Aima town, some 200 km from here. Police had earlier termed the deaths as “natural” but district authorities later confirmed that spurious liquor was the cause.

“Yes, it was established late Tuesday that illicit liquor was behind the six deaths. A magisterial enquiry has been ordered in the case. Four policemen and three excise officials have been placed under suspension with immediate effect,” Superintendent of Police (trans-Ganga) Vinod Mishra told IANS on phone from Allahabad.

“Investigations reveal that all the six men bought the spurious liquor from a man named Nate in the town. He is absconding,” Mishra said.

While police have registered a case against Nate and three others, no arrest has been made.