Poison-laced alcohol kills 2 in Odisha; probe underway

Two persons died and one is in critical condition after allegedly consuming poison-laced alcohol in the district on Friday, police said. The incident took place at Gaurpara under the Naktideul police limits, they said. The deceased have been identified as Pabitra Deep (58) and Kapileswar Badi (50). Another man Fakira Khura (70) is undergoing treatment at the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla. Police said, while Pabitra Deep died on Thursday, Kapileswar Badi died at VIMSAR on Friday morning. As per the report received by the police, the trio consumed liquor at Fakiras house on Thursday.

However, Pabitra complained of uneasiness after consuming the alcohol and died a few hours later. Similarly, Kapileswar and Fakira also complained of uneasiness on Thursday evening. They were rushed to the VIMSAR. While Kapileswar died at VIMSAR on Friday, the condition of Fakira is said to be critical. The sub-divisional police officer (SDPO), Rairakhol, Hadibandhu Swain said:, "The trio consumed the liquor from a bottle which they had found from the cattle shed of Fakira. It appears that someone had kept the bottle in the cattle shed of Fakira after mixing poison in it".

Swain also said that they have detained a person in this connection. "We are inquiring into the incident, said Swain. He hinted old animosity could be behind the incident. The irate people of Gaurpara blocked the Naktideul- Deogarh road at Bodhidihi chowk demanding compensation for the deceased. However, the road blockade was withdrawn after police intervened. The family members of the deceased were given Rs 5,000 from the Red Cross Fund.

(With inputs from agencies.)