At least 17 people died and over 100 were admitted in various hospitals here on Monday following a hooch tragedy in villages adjoining Malihabad and Unnao.
The death toll could go up as condition of around 40 people is reported to be critical even as the State administration suspended over half-a-dozen police and excise department officials on charges of dereliction of duty.
Police sources said the illicit liquor, which was made in Datli village of Malihabad, was consumed by villagers of at least half-a-dozen villages in Malihabad and Unnao on Sunday night and Monday morning.
While 12 deaths have so far been reported from Malihabad villages, five of the dead are from Unnao. Most victims had visited Datli village to consume and buy the country-made liquor that is allegedly made in large amount in the village.
Over a hundred affected have been admitted in the Medical College and Balrampur hospital besides local hospitals in Malihabad and Unnao, while doctors at other government hospitals in Lucknow have been kept on standby in case more patients are brought in. Many victims are feared to have lost their eyesight.
Senior police and administrative officials visited the hospitals, while at least seven police and excise department officials posted in Malihabad, including the circle officer and an inspector, have been suspended. Police have arrested a person while hunt is on to nab four others who allegedly made the illicit liquor, sources added.
