Five die after drinking 'homeopathic liquid' in Habiganj

Five people, including a couple, have died after consuming an alcohol-based liquid purchased from a homeopathic medicine shop in Lakhai upazila of Habiganj. The incident has caused widespread panic in the area. Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the deaths.

Police said the deceased are Sudeb Das (60) and Sujit Das (35) of Morakari village in Lakhai upazila; Nandalal Rabidas (52) and his wife Subi Rabidas (40) of Bhadikara village; and Ranjit Kuri (36) of Chowdhury Bazar area in Habiganj town.

According to police and family members, the five regularly consumed an alcohol-based liquid purchased from a homeopathic medicine shop at Morakari Bazar in Lakhai upazila. After drinking the liquid on Tuesday night, they fell ill and died at various hospitals and at home while undergoing treatment.

Lakhai Police Station Officer-in-Charge Sharif Ahmed said Sujit Das died on the way to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital. Sudeb Das died while undergoing treatment at Habiganj Sadar Modern Hospital. Ranjit Kuri died on the way to Dhaka. Nandalal Rabidas and his wife Subi Rabidas died at their home.

Police visited the scene after receiving the news. However, before police arrived, relatives of the deceased had cremated four of the bodies. Later, the body of Sudeb Das was recovered and sent to the morgue of Habiganj Sadar Modern Hospital for autopsy.

OC Sharif Ahmed said police are investigating the source of the liquid consumed by the deceased and whether it contained any poisonous ingredients. Police are also examining whether anyone else was involved in the incident.

Dr Aminul Haque Sarkar, supervisor of Habiganj Sadar Modern Hospital, said the exact cause of death can only be confirmed after receiving the autopsy report.

A case of unnatural death has been filed in connection with the incident. Police said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.