Five feared dead after consuming 'homeopathic liquid' in Habiganj

At least five people, including a husband and wife, are alleged to have died after consuming an alcohol-based homeopathic liquid reportedly used as an intoxicant in Lakhai upazila of Habiganj.

The deceased have been identified as Monoranjan Das, 60, and Sujit Das, 35, of Morakari village, Nandalal Ravidas, 52, and his wife Subi Ravidas, 40, of Bhadikara village, and Ranjit Kuri, 36, of Habiganj town.

According to local residents, Monoranjan, Sujit and Ranjit regularly consumed an alcohol-containing homeopathic liquid allegedly purchased from a local homeopathic medicine shop. They reportedly fell critically ill after consuming the substance on Tuesday night.

Monoranjan later died at Habiganj Sadar Hospital, Sujit died while being taken to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, and Ranjit died on the way to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Locals also alleged that Nandalal Ravidas and his wife, Subi Ravidas, consumed the same type of liquid and died at home. Their bodies were reportedly cremated before police were informed.

While local residents claim five deaths, police have so far confirmed three and launched an investigation into the incident.

Following the incident, the homeopathic practitioner linked to the alleged sale of the liquid has reportedly gone into hiding.

Dr Debashish Das of Habiganj Sadar Hospital said the exact cause of death cannot be confirmed without post-mortem examinations and laboratory analysis. However, he noted that if the allegations are accurate, poisoning from an alcohol-based substance could be a possible cause.

Sharif Ahmed, officer-in-charge (OC) of Lakhai Police Station, said, "Police have officially confirmed three deaths and registered an unnatural death (UD) case."

"Two other bodies had been cremated without informing law enforcement," he added.

Police said the actual cause of the deaths will be determined only after autopsy reports, chemical examinations and a full investigation are completed.