AMN /
The death toll due to consumption of spurious liquor in Mumbai’s Malad suburbs has gone up to 35 while 10 people are still undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the city. Some of them are still reported to be critical. The Mumbai police last night detained one Raju Fernandes aka Langda in this connection. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis as ordered an inquiry into the tragedy and asked to submit a report within two days.
Mumbai Police informed that on Wednesday night several persons drank a concoction being sold in plastic bags for Rs. 10 to Rs. 30 each, at Laxmi Nagar slums in suburban Malad here. Soon the drinkers started vomiting and they had to be hospitalised. The Police said that the victims include autorickshaw drivers, rag pickers and scrap collectors. While most consumed liquor in the night, some had it on next (Thursday) morning too, which led to further rise in toll. Those affected are between 30 and 40 years of age.
The Malwani police has formed six teams to verify the number of people affected by the hooch and also to collect evidence in the case. The police have sealed the room where the liquor was being sold and the house it was stored in. Police added that the accused Langda has been selling liquor in the area for past 15 years. A previous case of selling liquor illegally was registered against him nearly 10 years ago.