The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on hooch tragedy resulting in the death of many people in Malihabad near Lucknow and its bordering Unnao district.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the press reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims. It has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Inspector General of Police, Lucknow Range and District Magistrate, Lucknow calling for reports within two weeks.
Reportedly, till January 13, the death toll had climbed to 32 even as 18 more were in critical condition in various hospitals. The state government had ordered a magisterial enquiry and suspended 20 erring officials during a crackdown.
The police had registered four cases and arrested two of the main accused responsible for selling the spurious liquor.