Three Die After Consuming Country Liquor in Meerut, Cause Under Investigation
In a tragic incident in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, three people have died under suspicious circumstances after consuming country liquor. Officials stated on Saturday that preliminary investigations have not established whether the deaths were linked to the quality of the alcohol consumed.
Details of the Incident
The three individuals reportedly began vomiting and complained of severe abdominal pain after drinking the liquor on Friday evening. They were rushed to a hospital, where they were declared dead. According to police reports, the victims were identified as Baburam (60), a grocery shop owner; Jitendra (35), who worked at his shop; and Ankit alias Daulat (40).
They had purchased the liquor from a government-authorised country liquor outlet and started drinking near the spot. Soon after consumption, their health deteriorated rapidly, with all three experiencing vomiting and intense abdominal discomfort. They were taken to a private hospital, where doctors declared Jitendra and Ankit dead upon arrival, while Baburam succumbed during treatment.
Official Response and Investigation
Senior officials, including Additional Director General of Police (Meerut Zone) Bhanu Bhaskar, District Magistrate VK Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Avinash Pandey, and District Excise Officer Pradeep Kumar, reached the scene and initiated a comprehensive inquiry.
SSP Avinash Pandey emphasized that preliminary investigations have not confirmed whether the liquor was toxic or expired. He noted that the bottling date was February 11, 2026, and no complaints had been reported from other bottles of the same batch. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death.
Teams from the health, forensic, surveillance, and intelligence departments have been deployed to probe the incident thoroughly. Following the deaths, family members staged a protest at the hospital, demanding justice and answers. Police assured that further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and regulation of alcohol in the region. Authorities are under pressure to ensure that such tragedies do not recur, with calls for stricter monitoring of liquor quality and distribution. The community remains on edge as they await conclusive results from the investigation.
