Nine people have died in Nagaland's Tuensang district after consuming toxic liquor over the past three days. Among the deceased are three members of a single family, officials confirmed.
District police officers revealed that several individuals initially reported difficulty breathing after consuming the liquor, and they subsequently passed away. Upon receiving information about the incidents, the Tuensang police launched an extensive search and raid operation across the city areas of Tuensang and Chendingzile.
During the raid, police recovered numerous pouches of illegal liquor from various locations. Approximately 470 bottles of IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) and beer cans were also seized from the area. The families of those selling the liquor have been identified and are being questioned by investigators.
Nagaland has had a long-standing prohibition history, with the state implementing bans at various times over the decades. Despite legal restrictions, illicit liquor trade continues to persist in several districts, often resulting in tragic fatalities when contaminated alcohol reaches consumers.
Medical teams have been deployed to local health centres to treat survivors who are currently undergoing observation. Authorities have urged residents to report any suspicious liquor sales or consumption to local law enforcement.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of illicit liquor across the northeastern region, where such tragedies have claimed lives in neighbouring states as well.
