Spurious liquor claims 22 lives in UP

At least 22 people died and 1seven others were taken ill after consuming spurious liquor in several villages of Mubarakpur area, leading to suspension of six policemen and five officials of excise department on Friday.

People in eight villages of Mubarakpur area consumed country-made liquor last night after which they were taken ill, said Superintendent of Police Arvind Sen.

"Twenty-two people have lost their lives so far" the officer said, adding that while some people died at home, others died at a hospital.

Though the locals claimed that 26 people have died, district administration did not confirm it. An official spokesman said in Lucknow that taking a serious note of the incident Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has suspended five excise department staff, including the district excise officer.

"The chief minister has suspended district excise officer Om Prakash Singh, inspector Rajiv Mohan, chief personnel Vijay Kumar Sonker, two personnel Amit Rajbhar and Farhat Ali on charges of laxity," he said.

The spokesman said the CM has directed that effective check should be ensured on manufacturing, sale and consumption of spurious liquor and regular inspection of the shops should be done. Station Officer Vishwanath, beat in-charge Rajdev Yadav and four police constables were also suspended on charges of laxity, the SP said.