Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh): As many as five people have died and around 44 are hospitalised after they consumed spurious liquor bought from the shop in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh District on Sunday evening.
According to Amrit Tripathi, Azamgarh District Magistrate, the incident took place in Mahul Nagar panchayat under the Ahraula police station area.
"Three people died after consuming spurious liquor bought are 44 are hospitalised of which six-seven are on dialysis and the rest are in normal condition," he said.
He added that the police have arrested two salesmen from the shop and the owner will be arrested soon and are initiating action against them under National Security Act.
The tragedy took place just a day after a hooch manufacturing unit was unearthed in Sidhari area of Azamgarh on Sunday and 1,020 liters of rectified spirit was recovered.
ADG Varanasi zone Ram Kumar said police are identifying all other persons, who have purchased liquor from this shop and consumed to ensure proper treatment before their condition deteriorates, he said adding, the liquor shop had also been sealed for investigation.
Meanwhile, SSP Azamgarh Anurag Arya said an FIR has been registered under charges of murder and excise act against the accused.
Further investigation is underway.