Our Correspondent

 

Seven residents of Lofandi village, located approximately 25 kilometers from Bilaspur district head quarters, have died in the past four days, prompting conflicting claims about the cause of death. While villagers allege they died after consuming spurious liquor, Koni Police maintain the deaths are not directly attributable to alcohol poisoning. According to Koni Police Station House Officer (SHO) Naveen Dewangan, the deceased – Dallu Patel, Shatrughan Devangan, Kanhaiya Patel, Komal Lahare, Baldev Patel, Komal Devangan (alias Nanu), and Ramu Sunhale – were known alcoholics with pre-existing health issues. Dewangan stated that the villagers had recently attended a wedding where they consumed large amounts of food, despite doctor's recommendations to avoid oily and fatty dishes. He suggested that this, combined with their existing illnesses and subsequent alcohol consumption, may have contributed to their deaths.

 

Post-mortem reports cited causes of death including cardiac arrest and fatty liver, among others. Following the initial reports, Koni Police immediately went to Lofandi and took possession of the bodies. Empty liquor bottles were seized from the scene and sent for forensic analysis. While police are investigating, relatives of the deceased insist that the liquor was spurious, leading to the seven deaths. Following the incident, villagers gathered at the local hospital, demanding action against illegal liquor vendors and suppliers. Koni Police have registered a case based on the circumstantial evidence and statements from villagers and have started an investigation into the matter. The investigation will focus on determining the exact cause of death for each individual and whether any foul play was involved.