Bhubaneswar: The death toll in the hooch tragedy in Ganjam district rose to 3, with one more person succumbing to spurious liquor consumption.
The deceased has been identified as Lakhman Behera, a resident of Jenasahi under Chikiti block. Behera died while undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
According to reports, four others are still undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur and their condition is stated to be critical.
Earlier, two persons, Jur Behera and Loknath Behera, from Jenapur village had died after consuming the spurious liquor. Lakhman Behera was admitted to ICU after his condition deteriorated a few days back and he died in the wee hours of Saturday. His body will be handed over to his family after post-mortem, sources said.
So far, out of the 21 people who fell ill after consuming the spurious liquor, three have died, and four are still undergoing treatment. The others have been discharged from the hospital after recovery.
It is pertinent to mention that the hooch tragedy has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with the Excise Department launching a probe into the matter. Seven persons, including the liquor mafia, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
