Death toll from drinking toxic alcohol in Mithapukur rises to 5

The death toll from drinking expired and toxic alcohol in Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur has risen to five. On Wednesday (June 3), Dula Mia, 45, a resident of Kumorpur Kantibari village in Balarhat of the upazila, died while undergoing treatment at his home.

Local UP member Mahidul Islam confirmed the death of Dula Mia.

Police and local sources said that a few people drank expired and toxic alcohol in the Balarhat Bazar area last Sunday night. Later, when they fell ill, some started receiving treatment at home and some at the hospital.

Soon after the incident, Sattar Mia, 60, of Satventi Enayetpur village in Kafrikhal union died at his home. Then, Huzur Ali, 45, Saju Mia, 55, Ershad Ali, 40, and finally Dula Mia died while undergoing treatment one by one.

Mithapukur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ershad Shikder said that the incident is being investigated seriously. The bodies have been handed over to the families after completing the legal process. Necessary further action will be taken after receiving the test reports.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the Narcotics Control Department's Rangpur District Office Md. Abu Zafar said that the police have filed a case in connection with the death of five people due to consuming toxic liquor. The investigation is ongoing and the real cause of death can be confirmed after receiving the relevant test reports.

He also said that after this incident, initiatives have been taken to increase public awareness in the area. Leaflets are being distributed and miking is being done to warn people about the harmful effects of consuming illegal and risky intoxicating beverages.

After the incident, local residents demanded that those involved in selling illegal liquor be quickly identified and brought to justice.