A ninth fatality has been reported in Mokokchung district after a person died from suspected spurious liquor consumption at Dr Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital on Saturday night. The death brings the total number of deaths linked to counterfeit alcohol in the district to nine.
The patient, admitted at 2.50 p.m. on September 26, was treated for breathing difficulties, abdominal pain and general weakness. He had reportedly consumed alcohol three days earlier. Despite medical intervention, he died around 9.30 p.m. that evening.
District authorities have intensified efforts to curb the distribution of illicit liquor. Police arrested 19 individuals suspected of selling counterfeit alcohol, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to probe the deaths. Raids were conducted across all subdivisions, including Mokokchung town, to disrupt supply chains.
DC Ajit Kumar Verma met with civil society groups, village councils and ward unions to discuss the situation. Senior SP Vesupra Kezo confirmed the SIT, led by the additional superintendent of police, is investigating the source of the liquor, which is believed to originate from a neighbouring state. Post‑mortems were carried out and seized samples will be sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory in Guwahati next week.
The administration urged residents to avoid purchasing or consuming liquor and advised anyone who had consumed alcohol within the previous 48 hours and experienced dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulty, nausea, severe abdominal pain or unconsciousness to seek immediate medical attention.
