Toll in hooch tragedy climbs to 13

The toll in the hooch tragedy in two districts of Uttar Pradesh today climbed to 13 with three more persons dying in hospitals since last night, police said today.

As many as eight persons, including two grandsons of a former Samajwadi Party MLA, have been arrested in this connection.

While seven persons died in Kanpur, six others died in neighbouring Kanpur Dehat district after consuming spurious liquor since Saturday, ADG, Kanpur, Avinash Chandra told PTI on phone.

The ADG said that eight persons including Vinay and Neeraj, grandsons of former SP MLA Ram Swarup Gaur have been arrested for their alleged involvement in sale of spurious liquor while a hunt was on for some others.

The police is also searching for the former MLA, he said.

A magisterial inquiry has been ordered in both the incidents and raids are being carried out to nab the culprits.

Irate residents of Maghaipurwa and Bhanwarpur villages in Kanpur Dehat yesterday blocked the road demanding speedy arrest of the accused and adequate ex gratia to the kin of the deceased.

On Saturday night, a massive operation against hooch manufacturers, traders and suppliers was carried out by the police in suburban pockets.

The regional excise inspector has already been suspended while samples of the liquor in question have been sent for testing