Hooch toll rises: After Barabanki, three die in neighbouring Sitapur

LUCKNOW: After 17 people died in Barabanki district on consuming spurious liquor on Monday, another three from Mehmudabad succumbed to hooch in neighbouring Sitapur district, taking the toll to 20 in 72 hours.
The hooch deaths in Sitapur came to light when doctors at the district hospital informed the superintendent of police and higher officials about the casualties. Six policemen, including SHO Mehmudabad were suspended on Thursday amid allegations that local cops tried to hush up the tragedy.Four persons are undergoing treatment at KGMU Trauma Centre, Lucknow.
The deceased Vijay (30), Vinod (30), both residents of Saidanpur village, and Sumairi Lal (40) of Sajora village, in Mehmudabad, died at Sitapur district hospital, said police. Vijal Lal (35) of Sajora village, Santram (38), Vipin Kumar (30), Chandrashekhar (40) and Munnilal (38) of Saidanpur village, had taken ill after consuming the toxic brew.
Inspector general of police (Lucknow range) S K Bhagat said all victims consumed liquor from the kiosk of accused Kanhaiya Kumar at a fair in Mehmudabad on May 19 and began falling ill from Monday.