Chuadanga: Six Dead from Toxic Liquor, One Still Fighting for Life in Hospital PNN

PNN News Desk | Chuadanga:

At least six people have died after consuming toxic liquor in the Dingerdeh area of Chuadanga Sadar upazila. Another person, who is critically ill, is currently undergoing treatment at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital. All the victims were low-income earners—some were van drivers, others laborers, and a few small traders.

The deceased are:

1. Kheder Ali (40), a van driver from Naforkandi village,
   
   

2. Mohammad Selim (40), a fish trader from Khajura Hospitalpara,
   
   

3. Ripu alias Mohammad Lantu (30) from Pirojkhali Schoolpara,
   
   

4. Mohammad Shahid (45), a laborer from Shankar Chandra village,
   
   

5. Mohammad Samir (55), a mill worker from Dingerdeh Towerpara, and
   
   

6. Sardar Mohammad Lantu (52), a laborer from Asia Biscuit Factory Para.
   
   

Day laborer Alim Uddin is the only survivor currently under medical care.

According to Jamal Al Naser Ali, Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) for Chuadanga District, the incident occurred last Thursday night when several men gathered at Dingerdeh Market to drink alcohol together. They started falling ill one after another, and within a few days, six of them had died. On Sunday (October 12), another person under treatment passed away, bringing the matter to public attention.

He said, “Initially, the families of the deceased tried to keep the incident secret, but so far, four have already been buried. The police are talking to each family and investigating the source of the liquor.”

Local residents claim that illegal liquor has been sold secretly in Dingerdeh Market for a long time without any government monitoring. They allege, “If the authorities had acted sooner, so many people would not have lost their lives.”

Survivor Alim Uddin stated, “We worked hauling corn carts. Our supervisor gave us spirit to drink. I drank a little, but a few days later I became sick.”

Dr. Afrina Islam, a physician at Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, said, “On Sunday afternoon, a man named Lantu Mia was brought in. It was reported that he had consumed alcohol two days earlier. He died shortly after receiving treatment.”

Khaledur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Chuadanga Sadar Police Station, said, “An investigation is underway. We have decided to send the bodies for autopsy. The police are working to identify the source of the alcohol and those responsible.”

Meanwhile, senior district police officials have visited the site. Panic has spread among locals, and there is a growing public demand for immediate and strict action against the illegal liquor trade.