19 died in Nagaland after suspected adulterated liquor consumption, police launch probe
Police have sent liquor and other relevant samples to Guwahati for forensic examination to determine whether the suspected liquor was responsible for the deaths
- Sep 26, 2026,
- Updated Sep 26, 2026 2:01 PM IST
At least 19 people have died in Nagaland over the past two days following the alleged consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor, prompting the state police to launch a major investigation. Eight deaths were reported from Mokokchung district, while 11 people died in Tuensang, according to police, as reported by news agency PTI on Saturday.
SIT formed to investigate deaths
The Nagaland Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and trace the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor.
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The SIT is headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said investigators are working to identify where the suspected liquor originated and how it was distributed.
Samples sent to Guwahati for forensic tests
Police have sent liquor and other relevant samples to Guwahati for forensic examination to determine whether the suspected liquor was responsible for the deaths.
Kezo said investigators have already obtained some leads but cautioned against concluding the forensic examination is complete.
"We have obtained some leads, but it is too premature to disclose details."
The police said the investigation is focused on tracing the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor.
19 arrested, nearly 3,000 bottles seized
Following the deaths, police conducted multiple raids across the affected areas. The crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 19 people, while nearly 3,000 bottles of liquor have been seized.
The arrests and seizures form part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected illicit liquor network. Police are also attempting to establish whether the liquor was supplied to other areas of the state.
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Police issue health warning
Authorities have urged people to stay away from unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor. The warning comes amid concerns that liquor from the suspected supply chain could pose a wider public health risk.
Police have also advised anyone who develops symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.
Prohibition law since 1990
The incident has occurred in a state where a prohibition law has been in force since 1990. Despite the legal restrictions, authorities have continued to encounter cases involving illicit liquor.
(With inputs from news agency)
At least 19 people have died in Nagaland over the past two days following the alleged consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor, prompting the state police to launch a major investigation. Eight deaths were reported from Mokokchung district, while 11 people died in Tuensang, according to police, as reported by news agency PTI on Saturday.
SIT formed to investigate deaths
The Nagaland Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and trace the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor.
READ THIS: FSSAI flags misleading claims, prohibited food products on Amazon, Swiggy, Zepto platforms
The SIT is headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said investigators are working to identify where the suspected liquor originated and how it was distributed.
Samples sent to Guwahati for forensic tests
Police have sent liquor and other relevant samples to Guwahati for forensic examination to determine whether the suspected liquor was responsible for the deaths.
Kezo said investigators have already obtained some leads but cautioned against concluding the forensic examination is complete.
"We have obtained some leads, but it is too premature to disclose details."
The police said the investigation is focused on tracing the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor.
19 arrested, nearly 3,000 bottles seized
Following the deaths, police conducted multiple raids across the affected areas. The crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 19 people, while nearly 3,000 bottles of liquor have been seized.
The arrests and seizures form part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected illicit liquor network. Police are also attempting to establish whether the liquor was supplied to other areas of the state.
ALSO READ: FSSAI vs Old Monk: Bombay HC denies interim relief, revised labels under review
Police issue health warning
Authorities have urged people to stay away from unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor. The warning comes amid concerns that liquor from the suspected supply chain could pose a wider public health risk.
Police have also advised anyone who develops symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek medical attention immediately.
Prohibition law since 1990
The incident has occurred in a state where a prohibition law has been in force since 1990. Despite the legal restrictions, authorities have continued to encounter cases involving illicit liquor.
(With inputs from news agency)