Safidon (Jind), October 19
Four persons died while 18 others struggled for life after they reportedly consumed illicit liquor at Malar and Singhana villages near here today.

The numbers are expected to rise as more patients are reaching the Government Hospital, Safidon.

One casualty was reported from Singhana village, while the others belonged to Malar.

The deceased were identified as Kaptan Singh, Satyawan, Ram Sarup, and Suraj Bhan of Singhan village.

Others who were admitted to hospitals included Sunehra, a resident of Singhana village, Pyara Lal, Ram Singh, Kali Ram, Vikram, Sardar Singh, Balbir, Ajmer, Phool Singh, Zile Singh, Jai Bhagwan, Hari Kishan, Bhim Singh, Basti Ram, Jai Kishan, Hukam Singh, Dhoop Singh and Lilla from Malar village.

Keeping in view the serious condition of victims, all were referred to the PGI, Rohtak, late in the evening.

According to Virender, neighbour of one of the deceased, Kaptan Singh, the victims bought the liquor from five illegal sale points (khurjas) set up by a vendor of a nearby village.

Kaptan who consumed the liquor on Tuesday complained of vomiting and loss of eyesight and was admitted to a private hospital at Panipat, he said. He was declared dead at 9 this morning, he added.

Satyawan, another victim, had already died at 6 am in a private hospital at Jind, said Virender.

“I started vomiting as soon as I consumed the liquor after buying it from my village yesterday and started losing my eyesight after some time,” said Basti Ram, who is admitted to the Government Hospital, Safidon.

It is suspected that there was adulteration of hooch in the liquor that the victims consumed after buying it from illegal sellers, apprehended Dr V.K. Satija at the hospital.

The post-mortem examination is likely to be carried out on only one body, as relatives of others who died in private nursing homes or home have already cremated their bodies.

As soon as the report of hooch reached Safidon in the afternoon, SDM Roshan Lal and DSP Risal Singh reached Malar and Singhana villages, identified the victims and made arrangements for their treatment.

“In all, 14 persons were ferried to the Safidon hospital under my own supervision, while two others reached in the evening,” said the SDM, adding that orders to seal the liquor shop situated at Bitani village, from where the liquor was allegedly supplied to the villages, had been issued.