Lucknow
The death toll in Barabanki hooch tragedy has soared to 14 after death of one more person in hospital during treatment.
Police sources here on Sunday said Shiv Prakash Gautam (40), admitted after consuming spirit alcohol, died during treatment in district hospital.
The tragedy occurred on January 10 when some residents of a number of villages including Dhondhora, Munia, Purwa, Jaswara and Raeua Ratanpur under Dewa police station in Nawabganj tehsil of Barabanki district has consumed the spurious liquor at a party on late Tuesday night and started taking ill immediately thereafter. They were rushed to the district hospital and were later referred to Lucknow for treatment. Those who succumbed to the adulterated drink were basically in the age group of 22-55.
Dr AK Singh, deputed on the emergency duty in Barabanki district hospital confirmed that villagers who were brought in a critical condition had consumed liquor and they were referred to Lucknow trauma centre. According to sources, around six persons had died on way to Lucknow.
However, the post-mortem examination of bodies of six persons was conducted by a team of district hospital doctors same evening and the related reports were awaited. While a person was arrested for selling the liquor, the district administration had beefed up the security by deploying more force sensing a strong protest by the residents against liquor.
State Excise Minister Jai Pratap Singh had also sought a report on the tragedy from the officials of his department on Wednesday. At the same time, the excise department officials were trying to wash their hands of the tragedy saying the deaths were due to intense cold wave.