JOHRAT: At least three persons today died and 12 fell ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor at Dhekorgorah Monai Megi village in Assam's Jorhat district here, a senior police officer said.
Several persons fell ill since last night after consuming the country-made liquor in the village within the limits of Pulibor police station, Jorhat Superintendent of Police Prasanta Bhuyan said.
The victims were identified as Prem Borah (28), Dhon Borah (20) and Rameshwar Borah (26), he said 12 others taken ill were admitted to Jorhat Medical College Hospital from where two critically ill were referred to Assam Medical College Hospital in Dibrugarh.
Following the incident, an unruly situation prevailed in the area as several hundred of locals, including women and children, ransacked illegal liquor dens and the police had a tough time in controlling the irate mob.
The situation was, however, brought under control after a written assurance by the administration and police to evacuate and stop the illegal liquor business which has mushroomed in the area, police officers said.
Meanwhile, the police along with excise department, has started an extensive search operation to nab illegal liquor business owners and seized over 1,100 litres of hooch and 521 bottles of country-made liquor.