Thaindian News

Kolkata, Jan 4 (IANS) At least 13 people died and 25 others fell sick after consuming poisonous country made liquor here, the police said Sunday.”Three persons died late Saturday night and 10 others have died till Sunday evening after consuming poisonous country-made liquor at West Port area near Khidderpore in south-west Kolkata. At least 25 people have been admitted to three city hospitals in critical condition,” Deputy Commissioner (detective department) Jawed Shamim told reporters Sunday evening.

According to police sources, there are over 20 illegal country liquor shops in the area.

The police raided the shops Sunday afternoon.

“We have raided the shops and collected liquor samples to detect the exact nature of poison in them. All bodies will be sent for post-mortem examination. An investigation has started and right action will be taken against the culprits,” Shamim said.

Earlier, Special Additional Police Commissioner (armed police) Debasis Roy said seven people, including three women, have been detained for selling poisonous country-made liquor.

According to police sources, many slum dwellers in the area are addicted to drinking and they get the liquor from the local shops.

But the men who bought and drank the country-made liquor Saturday night fell sick immediately. While some died after acute stomach ache and blood vomit, many were admitted to nearby hospitals in critical condition.

West Bengal’s principal opposition Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee visited the area in the evening to console the family members of the deceased and the sick.