Nagaland police investigate nine deaths linked to suspected spurious liquor

Nine people have died in the Tuensang district of Nagaland following the suspected consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor. The deaths, which occurred on September 10 and 11, were reported after patients admitted to the Tuensang Civil Hospital exhibited symptoms including blurred vision, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Tuensang Police have seized approximately 470 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer cans during raids in Tuensang Town and the Chendang Saddle area. While investigators noted a “direct or indirect circumstantial linkage” between the fatalities and alcohol consumption, they stated that the consumption of adulterated liquor has not yet been scientifically established. A major hurdle in the investigation is that most post-mortem examinations were not conducted, as remains were taken for funerals before the pattern of deaths was identified.

In response, Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma has issued a state-wide advisory, urging residents to refrain from consuming alcohol. A red alert has been issued, specifically advising caution in the districts of Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamator, and Noklak. The incident has renewed scrutiny of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act of 1989, which governs the state’s dry status.