Chhatrapur, Aug 31: The death toll in the Chikiti hooch tragedy in Ganjam district increased to three after another patient succumbed while undergoing treatment at MKCG Hospital in Berhampur on Saturday.
The deceased had been receiving care in the ICU before passing away.
Additionally, four other people affected by the incident remain hospitalized and are receiving treatment. The tragedy unfolded when at least 15 residents from Moundpur, Jenapur, and Karabalua villages in Chikiti block consumed country liquor from a local unlicensed shop, leading to their hospitalization as their conditions worsened.
In response to the incident, the Odisha government launched a crackdown, intensifying raids on illegal liquor units across Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state. Following the tragedy, Berhampur Excise Superintendent Pradip Panigrahi was suspended, and two other officials were transferred.
