Lucknow: The toll in the hooch tragedy in Lucknow and Unnao districts today climbed to 27 with 13 more people dying in various hospitals here.
Over 100 persons were still undergoing treatment in different hospitals in the state capital.
“Till now 12 deaths have been reported from King George Medical University, two each from Balrampur hospital and Malihabad and one from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital,” Chief Medical Officer, Lucknow, SNS Yadav told PTI.
He said these deaths do not include seven in Unnao and three elsewhere.
“Patients still undergoing treatment include 61 in KGMU, 17 in Balrampur, 20 in civil hospital and 16 in Lohia hospital. 17 patients are under observation,” Yadav said. Condition of about 10 others admitted in various hospitals in the state capital is stated to be serious.
The hooch tragedy occurred in Kharta and other villages in Malihabad area of Lucknow and Talasarai village in Hasanganj area of Unnao district yesterday. Seven persons, who consumed illicit liquor in Datli village in Malihabad, died in Talasarai village in adjoining Unnao district, Station in-charge, Hasanganj, Pradeep Yadav had said.
Taking serious note of the incident, Excise Commissioner Anil Garg had suspended seven employees of the department, including excise inspector of Malihabad area, and recommended action against District Excise Officer, Lucknow, Lal Bahadur Yadav.
Besides, Circle Officer, Station Officer, a sub-inspector and three police personnel were placed under suspension in Malihabad.
He said a case has been lodged against five persons for selling spurious liquor and the main accused Jugnu has been arrested.
Cracking the whip, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had directed suspension of sub-divisional magistrate, assistant excise commissioner (enforcement), district excise officer, circle officer of police and station house officer.
Akhilesh also directed departmental action against joint excise commissioner and sought explanation from the excise commissioner.
He announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lack each for the families of the victims and said free treatment should be provided to those admitted in hospitals.
