Spurious liquor toll rises to 13 in Andhra Pradesh

The toll in the hooch tragedy in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh has gone up to 13, with the death of one more person today, police said.

"One more death was reported this morning, and so far, 13 persons have died after consuming spurious liquor in different villages of East Godavari district," a senior police officer told PTI over the phone, adding 177 people were hospitalised at Kakinada General Hospital as a precautionary measure.

Nine have developed complications, while the condition of two persons is serious, he said.

Meanwhile, a rowdy-sheeter P Ramakrishna, was taken into custody, for allegedly mixing methanol and other substances in liquor, that were sold in some belt shops, Amalapuram police said, adding they were further questioning him.

State commissioner of excise and prohibition Hiralal Samariya visited the district after Andhra Pradesh chief minister K Rosaiah, ordered an inquiry into the incident.

People of Rachapalem, Palagummi, Gangalakurru and Agraharam villages in Amalapuram and Ambajipeta mandals of East Godavari district were taken ill after consuming "illicit" liquor on Sunday night, and were admitted to different hospitals.