Nine suspended in UP after hooch claims five lives

The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended nine officials of the excise department and transferred the superintendent of police (SP) of Unnao district after five people died of consuming illicit liquor, officials said on Monday.

The hooch tragedy claimed five lives late Sunday, while three more people are still battling for their lives in a Kanpur hospital.

Police said a few people were taken ill after consuming illicit liquor in Karovan area of the Unnao district and by late Sunday five of them collapsed.

The victims have been identified as Kishan Pal, Sant Lal, Jamuna, Hanuman and Kallu.

Principal Secretary (Home) Debashish Panda informed that SP (Unnao) Mahendra Pal has been transferred to the DGP headquarters, while SP Chitrakoot Pawan Kumar has been given the charge of Unnao.

A magisterial probe has also been ordered by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

A drive has been ordered against manufacturing and sale of spurious liquor across the state, an official told IANS.

District Magistrate (DM) of Unnao Saumya Agarwal said the probe has been handed over to city magistrate who has been asked to wrap the investigations within a fortnight and submit the report to the government.

Principal Secretary Aradhna Shukla said no laxity will be tolerated and a crack down on the spurious liquor makers be ensured.