Toll in Chikiti hooch tragedy increases to 5; Odisha Excise dept so far arrested 16 persons

The death toll in Chikiti hooch tragedy in Ganjam district mounted to five after one more person undergoing treatment at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur died on Monday.

The deceased has been identified as Pradeep Behera (30) of Jenapur in Chikiti town.

Suchitra Dash, superintendent of the SCB MCH said, “Behera was on a ventilator support. He was also suffering from some other diseases.”

At least 15 people from Jenapur and Karabalua were admitted to the hospital on August 19 after they consumed spurious country-made liquor from a vendor selling it at Maundapur village.

While nine persons were discharged after being cured, five people died and two others are still undergoing treatment at the medical college, sources said.

At least 16 people have been arrested in connection with the hooch tragedy and huge quantities of liquor seized in raids conducted by the police and excise departments, a police officer said.

Following the Chikiti hooch tragedy, Excise department officials and Odisha Police swung into action and carried out raids at multiple liquor dens across Odisha including in Bhubaneswar.

It is worthwhile to mention here that Commissionerate Police recently bulldozed several illegal country-liquor manufacturing units at Salia Sahi area and seized huge quantity of liquor.