At least 19 people have died in Nagaland after allegedly drinking adulterated liquor, police said, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a series of raids across affected districts.
Deaths reported from two districts
Authorities reported eight fatalities in Mokokchung district and 11 in Tuensang over the past two days. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo confirmed the numbers and said the probe is focused on tracing the origin and distribution network of the suspected illicit brew.
SIT, arrests and seizures
The SIT has been placed under the charge of Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang. Police said they have arrested 19 people in connection with the case and seized a large quantity of suspected illicit liquor during multiple operations.
- Arrests made so far: 19
- Seized bottles/cans: reported as nearly 3,000 in one report and more than 3,200 in another
- Forensic samples: dispatched to Guwahati for detailed analysis
"We have formed a special team to investigate the circumstances and to identify the supply chain," Senior Superintendent Vesupra Kezo said.
Forensic tests and health concerns
A preliminary forensic examination has reportedly indicated the presence of methanol in some samples. Methanol, a toxic form of alcohol, can cause severe poisoning and is known to produce symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty breathing, severe headaches and loss of consciousness, police said.
Additional samples have been forwarded to laboratories in Guwahati for confirmatory testing to establish the precise cause of death and the chemical composition of the seized liquids.
State response and warnings
Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma has issued a statewide alert, cautioning residents — especially in eastern districts including Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamator and Noklak — against consuming unlabelled or unverified alcoholic beverages. The alert emphasised immediate medical attention for anyone experiencing the symptoms associated with methanol poisoning.
Context: prohibition and illicit supply
Prohibition has been in force in Nagaland since 1990. Despite the ban, authorities have periodically reported the circulation of illicit alcoholic products within the state. The current deaths have renewed concerns about clandestine production and distribution channels that evade regulation and pose a public-health risk.
Practical advice for residents
Medical practitioners and police have urged people to avoid consuming unidentified, unlabelled or suspiciously cheap alcohol. Residents were advised to seek immediate hospital care if they develop:
- dizziness or severe headache
- blurred or impaired vision
- breathing difficulties
- loss of consciousness
Ongoing investigations
The SIT is expected to map the supply chain, identify producers and distributors, and determine whether the consumed liquor was locally manufactured or brought in from outside the state. Police raids are continuing in the affected districts as officers work to recover more evidence and detain those linked to the trade.
| Item | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 19 (8 in Mokokchung, 11 in Tuensang) |
| Arrests | 19 |
| Seized bottles/cans | Reported as nearly 3,000 and also as more than 3,200 |
| Forensic testing | Samples sent to Guwahati; preliminary indication of methanol |
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the sale or movement of illicit alcohol to come forward and assist the investigation. The SIT will also review hospital records and interview survivors and witnesses as it pieces together the chain that led to the fatalities.
Further details, including laboratory confirmation and additional arrests, are expected as the forensic results are returned and the probe advances.
