Tragic Deaths in Nagaland Linked to Suspected Spurious Liquor

A recent tragedy in Nagaland has resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals linked to suspected spurious liquor consumption. Authorities have launched an investigation, arresting 19 people and seizing nearly 3,000 bottles of illicit alcohol. The police have formed a Special Investigation Team to trace the source of the counterfeit liquor. Despite a long-standing prohibition law, illegal alcohol sales continue to pose significant challenges in the region. The investigation is ongoing as officials urge the public to avoid unidentified liquor and seek medical attention if experiencing adverse symptoms after drinking.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 27, 2026, 11:28 IST

Investigation Launched After Fatalities

A file image of a liquor shop (Photo: PTI)

Dimapur, Sept 27: In a tragic incident, at least 19 individuals have lost their lives in the Mokokchung and Tuensang districts of Nagaland over the last two days, allegedly due to the consumption of suspected counterfeit liquor. This has led local authorities to initiate an investigation into the origins and distribution of the illegal alcohol, as confirmed by officials on Saturday.

So far, 19 individuals have been detained in connection with these fatalities.

A police representative in Kohima reported that eight deaths occurred in Mokokchung, while 11 were recorded in Tuensang.

To probe the matter further, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, led by Additional Superintendent of Police Bunglang Chang, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify the source of the suspected tainted liquor.

“We have gathered some leads, but it is too early to share specific information,” the official stated.

Samples of the liquor have been dispatched to a laboratory in Guwahati for forensic analysis to determine the cause of the fatalities.

In response to the deaths, police conducted raids at various locations, resulting in the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of nearly 3,000 bottles of liquor.

Despite a prohibition law in place since 1990, Nagaland continues to grapple with issues related to the consumption and illegal sale of alcohol.

Authorities have repeatedly warned the public against consuming unidentified or unlabelled liquor and have urged anyone experiencing symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness after drinking to seek immediate medical help.

The investigation is ongoing.

Earlier this month, nine individuals died at the Tuensang Civil Hospital after allegedly consuming suspected counterfeit liquor, prompting the state police to issue a red alert and caution residents against consuming alcohol from unknown or unauthorized sources.

Police officials indicated that the victims had reported experiencing breathlessness after consuming the suspected adulterated liquor before their deaths.

Nagaland's Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma noted that the victims are believed to have succumbed to what is suspected to be spurious liquor.