24 persons died after consuming spurious liquor in Cuttack and Khordha districts of Odisha, officials told journalists in Bhubaneswar today.
The country liquor was adulterated with drugs used in cough and cold treatment and for dressing wounds.
Officials said the first death was reported Tuesday morning and the person was identified as Baidhar Bhoi, the brew seller. By this afternoon, 24 deaths were reported, according to District Collector S.N. Girish.
He said the death toll may go up further as the condition of 20 others is said to be serious. The victims are being treated in different hospitals.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a judicial probe into the incident saying the guilty will be awarded strict punishment. Excise Commissioner Sudarsana Nayak told journalists in Bhubaneswar that the medicines used in the brew contained a high percentage of alcohol.
Meanwhile, police have arrested three people who are responsible for the liquor tragedy. (JUBS)
