Toll in Kanpur hooch tragedy rises to 5

Kanpur: The toll in the hooch tragedy in this district went up to five with the death of another person this morning at a private hospital here, officials said today. Yesterday, four people died and at least 10 others were taken seriously ill after they allegedly consumed spurious liquor in different villages under the Sachendi police station area here.

Kanpur District Magistrate Surendra Singh today said, “Bhola Yadav (30) who was admitted to a private hospital on Saturday following sharp deterioration in his health died on Sunday morning. With Yadav’s death, the toll has risen to five.” 

The other deceased have been identified as Rajendra Kumar (48), Ratnesh Shukla (51), retired sub-inspector Jagjeevan Ram (62) and Umesh (30). SP (rural) Pradyuman Singh had yesterday said that according to the relatives of the victims, all of them had consumed liquor purchased from a government liquor shop.

Kanpur’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Akhilesh Kumar said an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Excise Act was lodged against Shyam Balak, the license holder of the liquor shop.

Administrative officials and the Excise Department are investigating the matter, he said, adding on Saturday night, a massive operation against hooch manufacturers, traders and suppliers was carried out by the police in the suburban pockets.

Four people have been detained so far, though the main accused Shyam Balak is still absconding, an official said. SSP Akhilesh Meena and Surendra Singh today visited the Ursula Horsman Memorial (UHM) and Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) hospital to inquire about the well being of the victims of the hooch tragedy admitted there.

The state government has already announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the seriously ill, while the regional excise inspector was suspended.