Four more addicted to adulterated toddy die in Telangana

Four more people addicted to adulterated toddy died in Telangana on Sunday, taking the toll to 28 in last two weeks.

All four deaths due to symptoms related to years of consuming adulterated toddy were reported from Nirmal town in Adilabad district.

The deceased have been identified as Sidda Linganna (63), Sanda Linganna (65), Chandraiah (50) and Rajanna (50).

This has taken to 28 the number of deaths in the last two weeks. A series of deaths have occurred in Adilabad, Mahabubnagar, Nizamabad and other districts.

Dozens of people are undergoing treatment in hospitals across the state for withdrawal symptoms. Officials said people addicted to adulterated toddy were suffering from fits, seizures, psychotic behaviour and other disorder.

Non-availability of adulterated toddy over last few days has led to many people flocking to hospitals with withdrawal symptoms. Few of them have even committed suicide.

The crackdown on all forms of illicit and adulterated liquor across the state has led to this situation. Doctors said people were habituated to consuming toddy laced with chemicals like diazepam and alprazolam.

Bootleggers or those dealing in illicitly-distilled liquor (IDL) have been mixing the chemicals for years to increase intoxication-level.

The government, which introduced a new liquor policy this month, has warned the traders of stern action if they supply adulterated palm wine, locally known as 'gudamba'.

Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government has announced that it is committed to deal firmly with the menace playing havoc with the people's lives.

Authorities have taken action for the supply of pure toddy. They have also opened de-addiction centres for those addicted to consuming illicit toddy. However, this is not proving adequate to tackle the situation.