Nizamabad:At least 60 people fell ill including three critical after they consumed spurious toddy in Banswada division of Kamareddy district. The victims, all residents of Banswada, Birkur and Nasrullabad mandals, were shifted to government area hospital in Banswada while the critical patients were sent to Government General Hospitals in Nizamabad and Kamareddy.
People in all age groups including women fell sick after consuming adulterated toddy on Monday. Durki toddy depot supplied the brew to nearby villages. After taking the drink, victims complained of pain in their necks, legs and hands. The condition of the victims is stable, hospital sources said.
A few toddy depots mixed alprazolam and other prohibited chemicals in toddy and distributed them to people. Consumption of the brew led to severe health problems. Tense situation prevailed in various villages in Birkur, Nasrullabad and Banswada mandals.
Government advisor, MLA Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Banswada sub-collector Kirnmayi visited the victims at Banswada hospital on Tuesday. Pocharam Srinivas Reddy directed excise officials to take serious action against toddy shop owners. Police, revenue and excise officials are coordinating the situation.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kamareddy district excise superintendent B. Hanumanth Rao said they cancelled 18 toddy licenses in Banswada division for adulteration of toddy. Samples of toddy were sent to forensic laboratory in Hyderabad, he said.Special teams were sent to prevent adulterated toddy sales in Kamareddy district, he said. District collector Ashish Sangwan directed officials to control the situation, he added.
