Hooch death toll set to rise in West Bengal

Tamluk (Kolkata), May 6 (ANI): The death toll in the hooch tragedy in West Bengal is rising as more and more people fell ill.

Unofficial reports say at least 24 people have died in Tamluk region while another 100 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals. But officials said only 11 died and 30 were hospitalized.

Debashish Sen, Chief Electoral Officer demanded immediate action to stop people from consuming spurious liquor.

"We have taken initiative to check this menace, so that it doesn't spread. Police and administration should immediately shutdown this business. Not only there but such a move should be carried out across Medinipur district," said Sen.

A number of victims were admitted to Tamluk government hospital, and 14 of them were said to be critical.

"Every patient who is coming here is dying. People are dying on the way itself. I think whosoever drank the spurious liquor, I believe is dying. About 150-200 people drank it and most of them are now dying," said Nirmal Mondal, a victim's relative.

The State Government has ordered an enquiry into the incident and also ordered the closure of all illicit liquor shops in the region.

In January, 27 people had lost their lives and several had fallen ill after consuming illicit liquor in Kidderpore region of West Bengal.

The state police had also arrested six people in connection with the incident. (ANI)