Illicit liquor kills 5, one serious

Shimoga, Karnataka, May 13 (UNI) Five people, including a woman, died while another was in a serious condition after consuming ''illicit liquor'' in Anchina Siddapura Village in the district.

Police said the victims had allegedly consumed locally brewed brandy last night following which they fell ill.

Before they could be given any medical help, five of them died and the other, a 72-year-old woman, had been hospitalised in a serious condition.

The deceased were identified as Nagamma, Rudrappa, Viresh, Hanumanthappa and Shivanna.

Samples from the victims had been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Bangalore, a police official said.

The incident had no connection with the ongoing Assembly elections, the official added.

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