With the death of one more person, the toll in the hooch tragedy in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh has gone up to 14, police said.
“One more death was reported this morning and so far 13 persons have died after consuming spurious liquor in different villages of East Godavari district,” a senior police officer said, adding 177 people were hospitalised at the Kakinada General Hospital as a precautionary measure.
Out of the 177, nine have developed complications while the condition of two persons is serious, he said.
Meanwhile, a history-sheeter P. Ramakrishna, was taken into custody, for allegedly mixing methanol and other substances in liquor that were sold in some belt shops, Amalapuram police said, adding they were further questioning him.
State Commissioner of Excise and Prohibition Hiralal Samariya visited the district after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, ordered an inquiry into the incident.
People of Rachapalem, Palagummi, Gangalakurru and Agraharam villages in Amalapuram and Ambajipeta mandals of East Godavari district were taken ill after consuming “illicit” liquor on Sunday night and were admitted in different hospitals