Nagaland Spurious Liquor Tragedy: 19 Dead in Mokokchung, Tuensang; SIT Probe Underway

September 26, 2026

Mokokchung: At least 19 people have died in Nagaland over the past two days after allegedly consuming suspected spurious liquor, prompting police to launch an investigation into the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated alcohol.

Eight deaths were reported from Mokokchung district, while 11 people died in Tuensang district following the consumption of suspected illicit liquor, police said.

SIT Formed to Trace Source of Suspected Adulterated Liquor

Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the deaths and trace the source and supply chain of the suspected adulterated liquor.

The SIT is headed by Additional Superintendent of Police I Bunglang Chang. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo said the investigation would also focus on identifying those involved in the supply of the suspected spurious liquor.

Samples of the liquor have been sent to Guwahati for forensic examination to determine the cause of the deaths. Officials said they had obtained some leads but it was too early to disclose further details.

19 Arrested, Nearly 3,000 Bottles Seized

Following the deaths, police conducted multiple raids and arrested 19 people. Nearly 3,000 bottles of liquor were also seized during the operations.

Nagaland has had a prohibition law in place since 1990.

Police have advised people to refrain from consuming unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit liquor. They have also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness after consuming alcohol to seek immediate medical attention.

The investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of the deaths and trace the source and distribution network of the suspected adulterated liquor.