19 dead in Nagaland in 2 days after allegedly drinking spurious liquor, SIT formed

Mangalore Today News Network

Nagaland, Sep 26, 2026: At least 19 people have allegedly died in Nagaland after consuming spurious liquor, prompting police to launch an investigation into the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated alcohol.

The deaths were reported from two districts over the past two days. Mokokchung recorded eight fatalities, while 11 people died in Tuensang after allegedly consuming suspected illicit liquor.

SIT Formed To Trace Liquor Supply Chain

Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deaths and identify the source of the suspected adulterated liquor.

The team is headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang, Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said on Saturday.

Samples of the suspected liquor have been sent to Guwahati for forensic examination to determine the cause of the deaths.

“We have obtained some leads, but it is too premature to disclose details."

19 Arrested, Nearly 3,000 Bottles Seized

Following the deaths, police carried out multiple raids across the affected areas.

As part of the crackdown, 19 people were arrested, and nearly 3,000 bottles of liquor were seized.

Nagaland has had a prohibition law in place since 1990.

Police have advised people against consuming unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor.

Authorities have also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek medical care immediately.