Odisha's Hooch Tragedy Claims Fifth Victim: A Closer Look

The death toll from the hooch tragedy in Odisha's Ganjam district has reached five. Pradeep Behera, who was under treatment, passed away on Monday evening. The incident occurred after 15 people consumed spurious liquor from a vendor, leading to multiple hospitalizations and arrests.

The death toll in the recent hooch tragedy in Odisha's Ganjam district rose to five, as one more person undergoing treatment at a hospital succumbed on Monday evening, according to police reports.

The deceased, Pradeep Behera, aged 30, hailed from Jenapur in Chikiti town and had been on ventilator support at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, stated superintendent Suchitra Dash.

Behera suffered from additional health complications, Dash indicated.

The incident began when 15 people from Jenapur and Karabalua were hospitalized on August 19 after consuming spurious country-made liquor from a vendor in Maundapur village. Nine have since been discharged, five have died, and two remain under treatment.

In connection with the tragedy, authorities have arrested at least 16 individuals and seized large quantities of liquor during raids conducted by police and excise departments.