Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Nagaland Issues Statewide Advisory After Suspected Liquor Deaths
At least nine people in Tuensang, Nagaland, died after reportedly drinking liquor from an unknown or unauthorised source.
Three of the victims were from the same family.
The deaths were reported between September 10 and 12, although reports differ on the exact dates.
Some people reportedly suffered breathing problems, blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Police suspect the liquor may have been spurious or adulterated.
They have not proved this scientifically yet.
Another person, reportedly related to a liquor seller, died in a suspected suicide being investigated separately.
Police seized about 470 bottles and beer cans during raids.
Officials advised everyone in Nagaland not to drink liquor from doubtful sources.
At least nine people died in Tuensang after suspected exposure to spurious or adulterated liquor, while another death was investigated separately as a suspected suicide.
The deaths were reported between September 10 and 12, with accounts differing on whether the nine deaths occurred on September 10 and 11 or over three days.
Victims reportedly developed symptoms including breathlessness, blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Police said the liquor connection and exact cause of death remain unconfirmed pending scientific, forensic and medical examinations.
Authorities seized about 470 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and beer cans and issued warnings against liquor from unknown or unauthorised sources.
- Who
- At least nine people in Tuensang died; police, the Excise and Prohibition Department and other authorities are investigating. The opposition Congress has demanded accountability.
- What
- A series of deaths is suspected to be linked to spurious or adulterated liquor, although the cause has not been conclusively established.
- When
- The deaths were reported between September 10 and 12; another account says nine deaths occurred on September 10 and 11.
- Where
- Tuensang Town and the Chendang Saddle area in Nagaland’s Tuensang district.
- Why
- Police are investigating whether unauthorised or adulterated liquor caused the deaths and who supplied it.
Authorities’ Position
Congress’ Position
Cause of deaths
Authorities’ Position
Police say alcohol consumption was directly or indirectly linked to the nine deaths in available information, but spurious liquor has not been scientifically and conclusively established as the cause.
Congress’ Position
Congress treats the incident as evidence of a serious illegal liquor supply problem and demands a thorough investigation.
Accountability and enforcement
Authorities’ Position
Authorities say they are conducting inquiries, scientific and forensic examinations, raids and enforcement action to identify the liquor’s source and those responsible.
Congress’ Position
Congress questions how liquor could reach residents in a legally dry state and seeks action against everyone in the illegal supply chain and any negligent officials.
Support for families
Authorities’ Position
The authorities issued a public warning and began investigations into the deaths.
Congress’ Position
Congress also demanded immediate ex-gratia compensation for the bereaved families.
- Reported deaths
- At least nine people; one additional death was investigated separately as a suspected suicide
- Locations
- Tuensang Town and Chendang Saddle, Tuensang district
- Reported period
- September 10–12, with some reporting specifying September 10 and 11
- Reported symptoms
- Breathlessness, blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting
- Suspected cause
- Spurious or adulterated liquor, not yet scientifically confirmed
- Seized items
- Approximately 470 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor and beer cans
- Government response
- A statewide advisory urged people to avoid liquor from unknown or unauthorised sources
- Legal context
- The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989 prohibits possession, sale, consumption, manufacture, import and export of liquor in the state
