The toll in the hooch tragedy in Lucknow and Unnao districts climbed to 38 on Tuesday with the death of seven more persons even as the state excise commissioner was removed in connection with the incident and a state-wide crackdown launched by police against sale of spurious liquor.

"Total 38 persons have died since Monday, which include 32 in Lucknow and six in Unnao," Inspector General (Law and Order) A Satish Ganesh told PTI.

He said that as a part of the drive 7,076 places were raided across the state during which 51,813 litres illicit liquor was recovered and 1,954 persons were arrested. The IG said that drive would continue further.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who also holds the portfolio of the excise department, directed the removal of all employees and officers of the department posted against the provisions of the transfer policy. He took the decision during a meeting to review the functioning of the department.

Over 100 victims were still undergoing treatment in different hospitals in the state capital after they fell ill upon consuming illicit liquor on Sunday. The condition of eight was stated to be critical.

"While 28 patients each are undergoing treatment at Lohia, Civil and Balrampur Hospital, 16 are admitted in King George Medical College. Of those admitted to KGMU, 15 patients face risk of permanent blindness," Chief Medical Officer SNS Yadav said.

Taking serious note of the incident, Uttar Pradesh government removed state excise commissioner Anil Garg on Monday night. He has been put on the wait list.

"Excise Commissioner Anil Garg has been removed from the post by the state government. No fresh appointment has been made in his place," a spokesman had said.

Image: Representation picture