Spurious liquor claims 6 lives in UP; political conspiracy angle to be probed

Six people died and at least 20 others were taken ill after consuming spurious liquor in the district, prompting the Yogi Adityanath government to order a high-level probe to look into all angles including possibility of a political conspiracy, officials said Tuesday.

Four members of a family are said to be among those who died in the incident that took place on Monday night.

Heads rolled after the incident with authorities suspending 10 excise and two police officials.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for each of the deceased and ordered a high-level probe to look into all angles, including political conspiracy and submit a report within 48 hours, UP government spokesperson and cabinet minister Siddhart Nath Singh said.

Locals belonging to Raniganj and adjoining villages consumed liquor purchased from a shop in Ramnagar area on Monday night and were rushed to Ramnagar Community Health Centre (CHC) after they were taken ill early Tuesday ...