The death toll in Etah hooch tragedy has risen to 31 as four more deaths were reported in the previous night. Out of it, 27 have lost lives in Etah whereas four died in Farrukhabad in the same incident. Over fifty persons are still admitted in various hospitals in Etah, Etawah, Agra and Farrukhabad.
Authorities say that the death toll is likely to increase as around ten people out of those admitted are in serious condition. Besides, several others have lost their eyesight partially or totally.
The government has suspended nine officials in the matter and arrested main accused. Meanwhile, a drive against illicit liquor has also been launched in the state resulting seizure of huge quantity of liqour and arrest of many accused persons.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi reacted to the tragedy and expressed his “deepest condolence” to the families of the victims. “Those responsible must be brought to book,” he tweeted.
The BJP has held Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav responsible for the tragedy, citing that the Excise Department was under him.
The BJP team formed by State party president Keshav Prasad Maurya includes Etah MP Rajveer Singh, State general secretary and son of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Pankaj Singh and Agra MP and former minister Ram Shankar Katheria, party spokesperson Manoj Mishra said.