Two persons died and six others were taken ill after consuming liquor, believed to be spurious, at a party hosted by the supporters of a panchayat poll candidate in Gorakhpur district's Pipraich area, police said today.
Eight persons were taken ill last night after they consumed liquor at the party in Chattradhari village and were admitted to the hospital, where Munna (33) and Ram Lalit (50) died during treatment, Station Incharge Prabhatej said.
The other six persons are being treated at the hospital, he said.
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem, he said, adding prima facie it appears to be a case of spurious liquor.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today announced an exgratia of Rs two lakh each to the victim's family and suspended district excise officer and concerned police outpost incharge.
"The CM has suspended concerned district excise officer and police outpost incharge, and announced an exgratia of Rs two lakh each to the family of victims.
"He has also directed to launch a state-wide campaign against sale of illicit liquor," an official spokesman said here.
The CM said that strict action should be taken against those involved selling illicit liquor.
