Illicit liquor deaths reaches 173 in Bengal. Excessive use of methanol, a poisonous substance had found in viscera from most of the bodies.People from about 10 villages in Mograhat of South 24 pgs district had drank the illicit liquor.
Political patronage, inaction of police, excise department and easy availability are the main reasons behind the mushrooming of illicit liquor dens in rural and urban areas of West Bengal. illicit liquor traders often bribe police and excise officials to run their their business. They often mix poisonous substance to increase their sale. Though police and excise demolished illicit liquor dens, people are skeptical about the long time effect.
75 people are still undergoing treatment at the Diamond Harbour Sub divisional Hospital, MR Bangur and Vidyasagar Hospital. The state government led by Mamata Banarjee announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the family of the deceased. Experts believe that the state government should increase the number of incensed liquor shops to prevent the increasing of illicit liquor dens.