Uttar Pradesh: Three people, including a grocery businessman, died after allegedly consuming alcohol late Friday evening in Meerut. The incident took place in the Daurala police station area.

The victims had reportedly purchased country liquor from a government shop and were drinking together when they began vomiting and complaining of severe stomach pain. All three were rushed to a private hospital, where they died one after another during treatment.

Victims Identified, Fell Ill After Drinking

The deceased were identified as Baburam (60), a grocery merchant and oil trader from Saraswati Colony, Jitendra (45), a resident of Dayanandpuri, and Ankit alias Daulat (32), also from Saraswati Colony.

On Friday evening around 7:30 pm, the three were drinking near a local liquor shop when their condition suddenly worsened. Onlookers rushed them to Aryavart Hospital, where Jitendra and Ankit were declared dead on arrival. Baburam, who was in critical condition and put on ventilator support, also died shortly afterward.

Public Outrage, Officials Rush to Spot

The deaths triggered anger among family members, who created a ruckus at the hospital. Upon receiving information, District Magistrate Dr. VK Singh, SSP Avinash Pandey, and District Excise Officer Pradeep Kumar reached the hospital along with police teams.

Officials also inspected the liquor shop from where the alcohol was purchased. Two individuals, including the salesman, have been detained for questioning.

Liquor Seized, Samples Under Examination

Police and excise officials seized empty tetra packs from the spot and also confiscated liquor stock from the shop. The bodies of all three victims have been sent for post-mortem.

According to Dr. Prafull Chauhan, EMO at Aryavart Hospital, initial findings suggest poisoning, though the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report.

Families Demand Action, Investigation Continues

Jitendra’s father, Rajpal, has demanded strict action against the liquor seller, stating his son had been working at Baburam’s shop for years. Baburam’s son Sachin also filed a complaint, alleging negligence and seeking action against the shop owner, identified as Jagpal.

Senior officials, including ADG Meerut Zone Bhanu Bhaskar, visited the area late at night and inspected evidence, including the liquor packets consumed by the victims.

Meanwhile, SSP Avinash Pandey said that while liquor consumption is suspected, alcohol-related deaths are not yet confirmed. He added that samples have been seized and will be examined by the excise department, after which further action will be taken.