Fatal Hooch Incident Sparks Outrage and Arrests in Ganjam

One of 15 people treated at MKCG Medical College Hospital for consuming spurious country liquor died on Tuesday night. The deceased, Jura Behera, 60, fell ill after allegedly consuming adulterated liquor. 14 others remain hospitalized, with two in critical condition. This incident has led to multiple arrests and demands for compensation.

One of the 15 people who were receiving treatment at MKCG Medical College Hospital for consuming spurious country liquor died on Tuesday night, according to police reports.

The deceased, identified as 60-year-old Jura Behera from Jenapur near Chikiti, was among the 20 individuals who reportedly fell ill after consuming the adulterated liquor on Monday in Maoundpur village, under the jurisdiction of K Nuagaon police station in Ganjam district.

He had been in the ICU since Monday night and had underlying health conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. Behera passed away at 12:30 am during his treatment, as per the Superintendent of the Medical College and Hospital, Suchitra Dash.

The remaining 14 people are still undergoing treatment at the hospital with two in critical condition, Dash added. In the aftermath of the incident, family members of the deceased and villagers staged a road blockade in Chikiti, demanding Rs 20 lakh in compensation.

Over 20 people from Jenapur, Maoundapur, and Karabalua fell sick after consuming the country-made liquor from an illegal vendor on Monday. Initially treated at a community health center in Chikiti, they were later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital the same night. The police and excise personnel have conducted joint raids to crack down on the illegal liquor units in the area.

"We have arrested at least six individuals and destroyed large quantities of 'pochha' (raw liquor) near Digapahandi area during the joint raids," said Berhampur SP Sarthak Sarangi. Among those arrested is one of the key accused in the incident, Surendra Mallick, who has been charged with supplying the adulterated country-made liquor.

(With inputs from agencies.)