Assam Hooch Tragedy: Human Rights issues notice for detailed report

The National Human Rights Commission  has issued notices to the state Chief Secretary urging a detailed report in the Assam Hooch Tragedy, which claimed lives of more than 150 people, within four weeks.

The Commission has directed that the report must include action taken against officers, relief and rehabilitation provided to the victims and their dependents along with status of the medical treatment being provided to those who are admitted in hospitals.

According to reports, more than 25 people have been arrested, 100 cases registered and 15,000 litres of spurious local wine have been seized by the excise department officials after the incident. It has also come to light that several excise department officials are involved with the illicit liquor traders which makes it tough to stop hooch sale in Assam even after ban orders.

It was on Thursday night that a large number of people consumed spurious liquor in Salmora tea estate in Golaghat and in two villages of Jorhat.

Pertaining to the matter, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced compensation of Rs. 2 lakh to the families of those who died and Rs. 50,000 for those being treated in hospitals.