Thirteen die after consuming spurious liquor in UP

Thirteen people died in two separate incidents Monday after consuming illicit liquor in Uttar Pradesh, on the outskirts of the state capital, police said.

More than two dozen people were admitted to various hospitals in Lucknow where the condition of 18 is said to be "very critical."

The first incident occurred at Datli village in Malihabad, the mango belt of the state. An official told IANS that five people died on the spot while consuming the countrymade liquor. Five others died in hospitals. People in serious condition have been admitted to Balrampur hospital and the trauma centre at the Lucknow Medical College.

In the second incident early Monday three persons died after consuming spurious liquor in Talvasarai village in Unnao, neighbouring the state capital.

The deceased belonged to Datli, Pahadpur, Khadta, Rampur, Gondwa, Baraunja and Bhogla. Many people are feared to have lost their eye sight.

Relatives of the victims alleged that their complaints against spurious liquor being openly sold in the villages fell on deaf ears in the excise department and no action was taken.

The state government has suspended an excise inspector and four other personnel for dereliction of duty, an official spokesman said.

-- Indo-Asian News Service

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