# Nagaland spurious liquor deaths investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nagaland-spurious-liquor-deaths-investigation > Updated: 2026-09-24T16:56:23.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 2. Authorities in Nagaland are investigating a series of fatalities linked to the suspected consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor. The situation initially emerged in the Tuensang district, where nine people died after exhibiting symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. While police seized hundreds of bottles of liquor, investigators initially noted a “direct or indirect circumstantial linkage” between the deaths and alcohol consumption, though scientific confirmation was pending due to a lack of post-mortem examinations. As the investigation progressed, additional deaths and illnesses were reported in the Mangkolemba Sub-Division of Mokokchung district, involving suspected adulterated rum. In Mokokchung, police arrested six individuals and seized suspected substances. The death toll has since risen to at least 19 people, with 11 fatalities reported in Tuensang and eight in Mokokchung. Forensic Science Laboratory Dimapur has qualitatively detected methanol in seized illicit alcohol samples from Tuensang. Because local facilities lack the necessary instrumentation for quantitative estimation, samples have been sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Guwahati for detailed analysis. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang, has been formed to trace the source, manufacture, and supply chain of the illicit beverages. Police raids have resulted in approximately 19 arrests and the seizure of roughly 3,000 bottles of liquor. The incident has drawn increased scrutiny toward Nagaland’s prohibition laws, which have been in effect since 1990. Authorities have issued warnings to the public to avoid unlabelled or unidentified alcohol and to seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, or breathing difficulties. ## Claims - At least 19 people died in Nagaland after consuming suspected spurious liquor. (disputed by 19 sources) - Nagaland has been under a prohibition law since 1990. (corroborated by 19 sources) - A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Superintendent of Police Bunglang Chang has been formed. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Forensic samples of the liquor were sent to Guwahati for examination. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Police arrested 19 people and seized approximately 3,000 bottles of liquor. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Dimapur detected the presence of methanol in seized illicit alcohol samples. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Nagaland: 19 dead after consuming suspected spurious liquor At least 19 people died in Nagaland after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Police have formed an SIT to investigate the supply chain and arrested 19 people as forensic tests confirm methanol presence. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nagaland-authorities-investigate-deaths-linked-to-spurious-liquor ### 2026-09-13: Nagaland police investigate nine deaths linked to suspected spurious liquor Nine people died in Nagaland’s Tuensang district after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor, prompting a state-wide advisory and police investigation into adulterated alcohol. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nagaland-issues-red-alert-after-nine-deaths-linked-to-spurious-liquor --- Cite as: Nagaland spurious liquor deaths investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nagaland-spurious-liquor-deaths-investigation