Two people died and one person remains in critical condition after consuming a suspected drink in Khatima late at night. Police recovered liquor bottles and a bottle containing a suspicious liquid from the spot, while a forensic team collected samples for investigation.
According to police, Khatima Kotwali received information late at night about three men falling seriously ill after consuming alcohol on Kanjabag Road. Police rushed the injured to Khatima sub-district hospital, where Kanjabag resident Dillu Rana (52) was declared dead by doctors. The condition of Pravesh Rana, a resident of Satrah Mile, and Malkit Singh Rana was critical, following which both were referred to a higher centre in Bareilly.
During treatment, Malkit Singh Rana also died, taking the death toll to two. One person is still undergoing treatment and is reported to be in a serious condition.
Khatima Kotwali in-charge Vijendra Shah said that preliminary investigation revealed a bottle containing a suspicious chemical liquid was found inside a vehicle. “Initial findings suggest that the men mistook the liquid for water and mixed it with alcohol before consuming it. The matter is being investigated from all angles,” he said.
Sub-district hospital doctor V.P. Singh stated that a strong chemical smell similar to methyl alcohol was noticed. “The odour indicated the possibility of consumption of a toxic substance. Samples have been preserved for further examination,” he said.
Police have sealed the recovered bottles and sent samples for forensic analysis. Further action will be taken after receiving the forensic report.
