Rae Bareli, Jan 26: With two more deaths, total nine persons were reported to have died after consuming spurious liquor in Paharpur village under Maharajganj police station area of the district on Wednesday. Additional Chief Secretary (Excise) Sanjay Bhoosreddy said that three persons, including District Excise Officer (DEO) Rajeshwar Maurya, excise inspector Ajay Kumar and constable Dhirendra Srivastava, have been suspended with immediate effect.
Bhoosreddy said that DEO Maurya has also been charge-sheeted. The Additional District Magistrate (Administration) confirmed on Wednesday that so far, nine persons have died after consuming liquor from a country-made government liquor vend in Paharpur area. Superintendent of Police (SP) Shlok Kumar said the licence of liquor vend has been issued in the name of one Dhirendra Singh. He said that some people consumed liquor purchased from the shop on Tuesday night. Kumar said police were informed late last night that two persons were admitted at Primary Health Center (PHC) in Maharajganj area.
Later, a few more people, who consumed liquor, also fell ill and were admitted to the hospital. He said that so far, nine people have died, whereas the condition of few others was stated to be serious. As per the official report received so far, the deceased included Pankaj (28), Saroj (30), Ramsumer (40), Gajodhar (46), Vansilal (50), Sukhrani (6), Chandrapal (50) and two others. Kumar said the licencee of the liquor vend was absconding, a case has been lodged against him and efforts were being made to nab him.
Sources at PHC Maharajganj informed that out of those, who were brought for treatment, three were dead. It is being said that around 30-35 people consumed the spurious liquor. The district administration, while imposing a ban on consumption of a specific brand ‘Windies’, has also issued a helpline number. It has been stated that if anyone has consumed liquor of this specific brandm then he or she should have his or her medical examination done at the nearest health center
