The Hindu : Karnataka News : Illicit arrack claims two lives in Hassan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 01, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Illicit arrack claims two lives in Hassan

By Our Staff Correspondent

HASSAN, MARCH 31. Two persons died and 12 were taken ill after they reportedly consumed spurious arrack at Tubinakere village in Channarayapatna taluk of Hassan district.

Recently, 15 persons were taken ill after they consumed illicit liquor at Konavanahalli village in Sakleshpur taluk.

The police said people at Tubinakere consumed arrack supplied in sachets during the Maramma Devi festival on Sunday. Swamy (50), who complained of chest pain, died on Tuesday night and was buried. Thimme Gowda (45), who had a similar complaint, died on Thursday night. Six persons were admitted to the Hirisave hospital and the others to Sri Chamarajendra District Hospital in Hassan. Six of those who were in a serious condition were shifted to Victoria Hospital in Bangalore. One of them, Amase Gowda, is said to be in a critical condition. According to sources in the District Hospital, the five others may lose their sight.

Investigation

The Superintendent of Police, Panduranga H. Rane, and the Additional Superintendent of Police, B.S. Prakash, met those affected. Mr. Rane told The Hindu that the police have collected samples of the arrack and sent it for chemical analysis. On the incident in Sakleshpur, Mr. Rane said it was a clear case of consumption of illicit liquor.

The Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat, F.R. Jamaadar, said he has directed the District Health Officer to rush supplies of medicines for those admitted to the Hirisave hospital.

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