Ganjam: The death toll in the Chikiti hooch tragedy in Ganjam district rose to five as another individual receiving treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur passed away on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Pradeep Behera from Jenapur in Chikiti town.
“Behera was on ventilator support and was also battling other illnesses,” stated Suchitra Dash, superintendent of SCB MCH.
On August 19, at least 15 individuals from Jenapur and Karabalua were hospitalized after consuming counterfeit country-made liquor purchased from a vendor in Maundapur village.
Nine individuals have been discharged after recovery, but five have succumbed, and two remain in treatment at the medical college, according to sources.
In relation to the tragedy, police and excise departments have arrested at least 16 individuals and confiscated large amounts of liquor during raids, informed a police officer.
In response to the Chikiti incident, officials from the Excise Department and Odisha Police initiated widespread raids on various liquor outlets throughout Odisha, including Bhubaneswar.
Notably, the Commissionerate Police recently demolished multiple illegal country-liquor production facilities in the Salia Sahi area and confiscated a significant amount of liquor.
