West Bengal: Four people arrested , 11 officials suspended after 7 die after consuming spurious alcohol

Four people have been arrested for allegedly selling spurious alcohol that resulted in deaths of 7 people and hospitalization of 24 others in West Bengal’s Nadia district.  

While the family members of the deceased claim that they died after consuming spurious liquor, police is yet to confirm the cause of death.

“The cause of death is yet to be known. We are waiting for the post mortem report and only then the cause of the death will be ascertained,” said Rupesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Nadia district.

However, the West Bengal government has suspended 11 officials and handed over the case to the CID. The suspended officials include an officer in-charge of Shantipur Circle, ex-officer in-charge of Shantipur circle, eight constables, and the deputy excise collector of Ranaghat range.

"Some reports suggest that this liquor was brought to Nadia from Bihar, and Jharkhand. The CID will now carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that the guilty are brought to book," said a senior official of West Bengal Police.

The West Bengal government also announced a compensation of Rs.2 lakh to the kin of the deceased.

Locals claim that several small shanties selling country-made liquor have recently surfaced in the area. People assemble in these hubs and drinking has become a major cause or concern in the local neighbourhood.