6 die in Chuadanga after consuming toxic liquor

Six people have died in Chuadanga after consuming illicit distilled liquor, though the death toll may rise further. Police have identified five of the deceased in initial reports.

The deceased are: Laltu,45, of Shankar Chandra village in Sadar Upazila; Shahid Molla,50, Shomir Uddin,55, Selim,38, of Khajura village; Laltu,38, of Pirojkhali East Para; and Kheder Ali,55. All worked as daily labourers.

Khaledur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chuadanga Sadar Police Station, said on October 10, 10 to 12 persons consumed poisonous distilled liquor at a secret place in Dingdeh area. On October 11, news of three deaths spread locally. On Sunday night, three more fell ill and were admitted to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital; two of them died, and one remains under treatment.

The OC added that police are working on the case and the death toll could increase. Four of the deceased have been buried locally; the two others have been sent to the Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Local residents allege that illicit distilled liquor has long been sold illegally in the nearby market. Additional Superintendent of Police Jamal Al Naser said the deaths are preliminarily believed to be due to alcohol poisoning. He added that a legal investigation is underway.