Bharatpur hooch tragedy: Seven dead, five battling for life
(Sourced from PTI)
Three more people, taken ill after consuming spurious liquor in Bharatpur, died in a hospital, raising the number of the death toll to seven and prompting the government to suspend several officials for their failure to check the production and sale of the fatal brew. Taking strict action over the tragedy, the government also decided to get the case probed by the Divisional Commissioner.
The government announced financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those taken ill. "The fatal drink, which claimed seven lives till now, has also left five people battling for their lives," officials said. "Three persons have been arrested under various sections of the Rajasthan Excise Act," Bharatpur District Collector Nathmal Didel said.
"Seven persons have died so far after consuming hooch whereas treatment of five others is going on in a hospital," Didel said. "The five undergoing treatment are in critical condition," he added. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday decided to take strict action against the concerned officials of Excise, Enforcement, Administration, and Police departments. Gehlot also expressed deep grief over the incident.
A government spokesperson said, "Bharatpur's district excise officer, assistant excise officer, and enforcement officer, besides the patrolling duty officer of Bayana Excise Police station and the excise inspector have been suspended."
The entire staff of the Roopwas Excise Enforcement Police station has also been suspended. Besides the excise officials, Assistant Sub Inspector Mohan Singh of Roopwas Police station and two constables have also been suspended. Gehlot has also ordered the removal of the Roopwas SDM Lalit Meena and put him under an "awaited posting order."
Gehlot has instructed the Bharatpur Divisional Commissioner to probe the entire case. He also asked officials to take strict action to prevent smuggling, manufacture, and sale of liquor and launch an intensive campaign in all inter-state border areas of the state to check smuggling.
