Toll climbs to 33 in UP hooch tragedy; 1,621 held

The toll in the UP hooch tragedy on Monday climbed to 33 and over two dozen people are still battling for their lives. The authorities have launched a crackdown on bootlegging and 1,621 people across the state have been arrested.

Twenty-nine people have died in Etah and four in the neighbouring Farrukhabad district, officials said, adding that 21 deaths had occurred till Sunday and eight more died overnight in Etah. SDM of 

Kayamganj in Farukhabad Ajit Kumar said four persons died in the district after consuming hooch. 

Senior police officers in Lucknow said the main accused, Sripal Lodh, is among those arrested and 11 officials of the Excise Department and police have been suspended in connection with the tragedy.

An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each will be given to the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, the condition of over two dozen people admitted to various hospitals in Etah and Saifai was stated to be serious.

DGP Javeed Ahmed has issued strict directives to officials to carry out a drive against manufacture and sale of illicit liquor. Under this drive, 1,621 people were arrested and 1,585 cases lodged all over the state. As many as 36,121 liters of illicit liquor and seven vehicles were seized, while 197 illegal liquor producing units were destroyed under the drive, police said.