Death toll from ‘drinking spirits’ rises to 6

Six people died and another fell sick, reportedly after drinking spirits mixed with liquor at Mohammadnagar village in Companiganj upazila of Noakhali early Saturday, reports UNB.

The deceased were identified as Mohin Uddin, son of Foyez Ahmed of Mohammadnagar village; Noor Nabi Manik, Robi Lal Roy, son of Anil Roy of Basurhat Municipality; Abdul Khaleque of Tekerbazar area in Charkakra union; Sajub of Sirajpur union; and Omar Faruk.

Witnesses said the men bought spirits from a pharmacy adjacent to Basurhat Bazar. They mixed it with local liquor before drinking it.

Confirming the deaths, Arifur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Companiganj police station, said they sealed off the pharmacy and arrested its owner Jahid Alam, 40, and his son Priyom, 20.

The bodies of the deceased were sent to the Sadar hospital for autopsy.

Two cases – one for murder and another for distributing spirits – were filed at Companiganj police station.