Hooch tragedy: UP govt constitutes five-member SIT to probe consumption of illicit liquor

Updated: Monday, February 11, 2019, 8:45 [IST]

Lucknow, Feb 11: The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor in the state.

UP government constitutes five-member SIT to probe hooch tragedy

[Hooch Tragedy: 26 people dead in Saharanpur, Kushinagar after consuming spurious liquor]

Over the last four days, according to official, the illicit liquor has killed at least 99 people - 59 in Saharanpur, 10 in Kushinagar and 30 in Haridwar.

Earlier, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered strict action in the matter. The government is preparing to set up a National Security Act (NSA) on poisonous liquor makers and sellers. The Yogi government has come down heavily on the matter and started a 15-day campaign against illegal liquor and sellers.

[Hooch tragedy death toll reaches 90, Five arrested]

Taking serious note of the deaths due to spurious liquor in Kushinagar as well as Saharanpur districts, the state government has ordered a 15-day joint drive by excise and police officials against those involved.

The UP government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and help of Rs 50,000 each for those undergoing treatment in hospitals.