Berhampur, Aug 20: At least 14 people fell ill after allegedly drinking 'spurious' liquor in Moundpur village, Ganjam district, Odisha, late Monday night.
The affected individuals, all from Karbalua village, had consumed country liquor and later reported severe vomiting and unease. They were initially taken to the community health center in Chikiti and subsequently transferred to MKCH Medical College Hospital.
Of the 14, 12 are in the medicine ward and two are in the ICU, according to police.
Chikiti MLA Manoranjan Dyan Samantra reached the spot to take stock of the situation and alleged that the excise department is not conducting regular raids to stop the sale of illicit liquor.
Following a joint raid by Nuagaon police and the Excise Department, five individuals connected to the racket were arrested. The officials also seized 55 liters of spurious liquor from their possession.
