Nine deaths were reported in Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle on September 10 and 11, and police have linked them to alcohol consumption. The Tuensang Police have begun an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
A press note from the Additional Superintendent of Police and Police Relations office stated that preliminary enquiries of patients admitted to Tuensang Civil Hospital revealed that most deceased had consumed liquor before developing symptoms such as blurring of vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Police say that while spurious or adulterated liquor could not yet be conclusively identified as the cause, further scientific and forensic procedures are underway. Most deaths did not have post‑mortem examinations because bodies were taken for burial before the pattern was noticed.
The investigation seeks to determine the circumstances of the deaths, the source and nature of the liquor, and potential responsibility. Three deceased were members of a family whose premises supplied the liquor, and one family member died by hanging, under investigation as a suicide.
Search and raid operations across Tuensang town and Chendang Saddle seized about 470 bottles of IMFL and beer cans. Police have also issued public awareness measures, advising people to avoid liquor from unknown or unauthorised sources and to seek medical help if they experience symptoms after drinking.
The Excise and Prohibition department has launched inquiries into the suspected deaths and is coordinating with other authorities. Commissioner H. Atokhe Aye urged the public to abstain from liquor, highlighted the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act 1989, and requested reports of illicit manufacture or distribution.
