Hooch tragedy in UP: Death toll rises to 21, CM Akhilesh suspends four officers

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Lucknow: At least 21 persons died and more than a dozen were taken ill after consuming spurious liquor at Aliganj in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh, police said. 

Many people also lost their eyesight due to the reaction after consuming the liquor on Friday night, according to report.

On Friday, at least five persons had lost their lives after consuming the illicit liquor. However, the death tragedy rose to 17 by Sunday morning. 

Angry at the development, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav suspended the SDM, District Excise Officer, Circle Officer and the Aliganj Station House Officer of the area.

The hooch tragedy occurred at Johari Darwaza area in Aliganj when locals consumed liquor at a late night get together.

However, they soon started vomiting, complained of nausea and blurred vision. They were rushed to a nearby hospital where five were declared dead.