Barabanki spurious liquor case: Main accused injured in encounter arrested; death toll rises to 16

At least 16 people have been died so far after consuming spurious countrymade liquor in Ramnagar area of Barabanki district in Lucknow. Several ills are being treated at the King George Medical University Hospital in Lucknow. The main accused Pappu Jaiswal was arrested early on Wednesday after an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police.

The gunfight took place near Amrai Kund in Barabanki when Pappu got injured after he was shot a bullet in his leg. He has been admitted to the district hospital.

In connection to the matter, Police circle officer Pawan Gautam and Station House Officer Rajesh Kumar Singh have also been suspended.

The locals belonging to Raniganj and adjoining villages were taken ill after consuming liquor on Monday night purchased from a licensed shop authorised by the Excise Department.

Uttar Pradesh Excise Minister Jai Pratap Singh said the excise commissioner, joint and deputy commissioners have rushed to the spot and further information was awaited.

According to reports, the salesmen at the liquor shop, Sunil Jaiswal and Pitambar were also held late on Tuesday. The owner of the shop, Danvir Singh is still absconding.

At least sixteen people died and 38 people were being treated at hospitals in Barabanki and Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered a high-level probe into the matter and also announced a compensation of Rs. two lakh each to the family of those who died.

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