Visitors to New Orleans who want to learn more about cocktails will soon have a new place to go. No, it's not another bar. The Sazerac Company, a Louisiana-based spirits maker, is opening the Sazerac House on Oct. 2.

Sazerac House celebrates NOLA's cocktail culture

The Election Commission said it has seized unaccounted money, illicit liquor, drugs and other inducements worth a total of Rs 3,274 crore in the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday.

"Total cash seizure is Rs 785.26 crore, liquor (Rs 249.038 crore), narcotics (Rs 1214.46 crore), Gold and precious materials (Rs 972.253 crore) and other freebies (Rs 53.167 crore), which makes the grand total of Rs 3274.18 crore," said an official statement issued by the EC.

The poll watchdog said it appointed 97 expenditure observers in 72 parliamentary constituencies and 42 assembly constituencies across the country that went to polls on Monday. It was appointed to implement its instructions regarding election expenditure of candidates and for the seizure of unaccounted money, illicit liquor, drugs, and other inducements.

In order to curb the abuse of money power during elections, the commission decided that each expenditure sensitive constituency would have two expenditure observers. States with geographically difficult terrain have also been allotted a slightly larger number of expenditure observers so that there is better visibility and accessibility.

As per the instructions of the EC, the states deployed adequate resources in terms of Flying Squads (FS), Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and Video Surveillance Teams (VSTs) in all the parliamentary constituencies and assembly constituencies, the EC said.

The number of expenditure observers was 97, assistant expenditure observers (492), FS (1761), SSTs (1757), VSTs (1080), video viewing team (618) and accounting team (543).

Voting was held on Monday for 72 seats across nine states including five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six each in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, 13 each in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, eight in West Bengal and 17 in Maharashtra.

An overall voter turnout of 64.05 per cent was registered in the fourth phase of polling.

Seven-phase elections will end on May 19, and results will be declared on&nbsp;May 23.

The Election Commission said it has seized unaccounted money, illicit liquor, drugs and other inducements worth a total of Rs 3,274 crore in the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday.

The Election Commission said it has seized unaccounted money, illicit liquor, drugs and other inducements worth a total of Rs 3,274 crore in the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday. "Total cash seizure is Rs 785.26 crore, liquor (Rs 249.038 crore), narcotics (Rs 1214.46 crore), Gold and precious materials (Rs 972.253 crore) and other freebies (Rs 53.167 crore), which makes the grand total of Rs 3274.18 crore," said an official statement issued by the EC. The poll watchdog said it appointed 97 expenditure observers in 72 parliamentary constituencies and 42 assembly constituencies across the country that went to polls on Monday. It was appointed to implement its instructions regarding election expenditure of candidates and for the seizure of unaccounted money, illicit liquor, drugs, and other inducements. In order to curb the abuse of money power during elections, the commission decided that each expenditure sensitive constituency would have two expenditure observers. States with geographically difficult terrain have also been allotted a slightly larger number of expenditure observers so that there is better visibility and accessibility. As per the instructions of the EC, the states deployed adequate resources in terms of Flying Squads (FS), Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and Video Surveillance Teams (VSTs) in all the parliamentary constituencies and assembly constituencies, the EC said. The number of expenditure observers was 97, assistant expenditure observers (492), FS (1761), SSTs (1757), VSTs (1080), video viewing team (618) and accounting team (543). Voting was held on Monday for 72 seats across nine states including five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six each in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, 13 each in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, eight in West Bengal and 17 in Maharashtra. An overall voter turnout of 64.05 per cent was registered in the fourth phase of polling. Seven-phase elections will end on May 19, and results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission seizes cash, liquor worth Rs 3,274 crore in fourth phase

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After four years, Mizoram assembly has passed a bill to bring back total prohibition of liquor in the northeastern state from April 1.

The state government decided to prohibit manufacture, import, sale and consumption of liquor for the common people for their general health and help in law enforcement, Excise and Narcotics Minister Dr K Beichhua said while introducing the bill.

Cutting across party lines, all the legislators supported the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 and it was passed Wednesday.

The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) had promised during the assembly election in November last year that if voted to power, it would ensure total prohibition in the state.

Total prohibition was in force in Mizoram from 1997 to 2015. The previous Congress government led by Lal Thanhawla allowed opening of wine shops in the state from March 2015.

After four years, Mizoram assembly has passed a bill to bring back total prohibition of liquor in the northeastern state from April 1. The state government decided to prohibit manufacture, import, sale and consumption of liquor for the common people for their general health and help in law enforcement, Excise and Narcotics Minister Dr K Beichhua said while introducing the bill.

After four years, Mizoram assembly has passed a bill to bring back total prohibition of liquor in the northeastern state from April 1. The state government decided to prohibit manufacture, import, sale and consumption of liquor for the common people for their general health and help in law enforcement, Excise and Narcotics Minister Dr K Beichhua said while introducing the bill. Cutting across party lines, all the legislators supported the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 and it was passed Wednesday. The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) had promised during the assembly election in November last year that if voted to power, it would ensure total prohibition in the state. Total prohibition was in force in Mizoram from 1997 to 2015. The previous Congress government led by Lal Thanhawla allowed opening of wine shops in the state from March 2015.

Mizoram assembly passes bill to prohibit liquor from April 1

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-hooch-tragedy-leaves-85-dead-government-destroys-15000-litres-liquor-199205">death toll</a> in the Assam hooch tragedy has climbed to over a 100, with news reports Sunday saying the toll could be anywhere between 102 and 114.&nbsp;

The deaths first began to be reported Thursday night from two gardens in Assam's Golaghat and Jorhat districts. Twelve tea garden workers died Thursday night itself, with the toll steadily climbing since then.&nbsp;

A number of tea garden workers brew liqour themselves, mixing additives in to make it stronger. The liqour is then often sold.&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday met victims at the Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those who had fallen ill.

Sonowal said the guilty would not not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of the state excise minister

Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday.

Sonowal had on Friday ordered an inquiry into the tragedy by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal. The chief minsister has asked for the report to be submitted within a month.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said Saturday that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute".

Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said,&nbsp; 
"Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill."

Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College&nbsp; 
Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to the large number of affected people, he said.

Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and co-ordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said.

"The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said.

Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there.

Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines.

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation.

Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor.

Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya.

Activists of the state's leading student and youth organsiation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation.&nbsp;

This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. Earlier, at least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The death toll in the Assam hooch tragedy has climbed to over a 100, with news reports Sunday saying the toll could be anywhere between 102 and 114. The deaths first began to be reported Thursday night from two gardens in Assam's Golaghat and Jorhat districts.

The death toll in the Assam hooch tragedy has climbed to over a 100, with news reports Sunday saying the toll could be anywhere between 102 and 114. The deaths first began to be reported Thursday night from two gardens in Assam's Golaghat and Jorhat districts. Twelve tea garden workers died Thursday night itself, with the toll steadily climbing since then. A number of tea garden workers brew liqour themselves, mixing additives in to make it stronger. The liqour is then often sold. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday met victims at the Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those who had fallen ill. Sonowal said the guilty would not not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of the state excise minister Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday. Sonowal had on Friday ordered an inquiry into the tragedy by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal. The chief minsister has asked for the report to be submitted within a month. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said Saturday that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute". Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said, "Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill." Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to the large number of affected people, he said. Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and co-ordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said. "The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said. Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there. Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines. Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor. Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya. Activists of the state's leading student and youth organsiation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation. This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. Earlier, at least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor. (With inputs from PTI)

Assam hooch deaths: Toll climbs to over 100

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met the affected at Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50000 to those who fell ill.

Sonowal said the guilty will not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of state excise minister

Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday.

According to health department officials, 46 people died in JMCH, 35 in Golaghat civil hospital and four in Titabor sub-divisional hospital.

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Assam: After the death of 83 people due to consumption of spurious liquor in Golaghat &amp; Jorhat, Excise Department &amp; District Administration are conducting operation across the state against manufacture &amp; sale of illicit liquor. 15,000 liters of liquor has been destroyed till now <a href="https://t.co/8DDTL1vjnf">pic.twitter.com/8DDTL1vjnf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1099310539677880323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In JMCH, 221 people are undergoing treatment for complications due to consumption of spurious liquor, while another 111 are being treated in Golaghat and eight in the Titabor hospital, they said.

A large number of labourers of two tea estates of Golaghat and Jorhat districts had fallen ill after drinking the spurious liquor on Thursday night and 12 of them had died the same night.

Sonowal reviewed the condition of victims of the hooch tragedy undergoing treatment at JMCH. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families. 
Sonowal had ordered an inquiry into the incident by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal on Friday and directed her to submit the report within a month.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said this morning that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute".

Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said, "Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill."

Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to a large number of affected people, he said.

Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and coordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said.

"The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said.

Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that a maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there.

Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines.

Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation.

Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor.

Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya.

Activists of the state's leading student and youth organisation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation.&nbsp;

This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. At least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said.

The hooch tragedy in Assam's Jorhat and Golaghat districts claimed 85 lives till Saturday while 340 people were undergoing treatment in hospitals, officials said. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal met the affected at Jorhat Medical College Hospital (JMCH) and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased and Rs 50000 to those who fell ill. Sonowal said the guilty will not be spared, even as the opposition Congress accused the BJP government in Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor and demanded the resignation of state excise minister Police said twelve persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Two persons were arrested in connection with the tragedy on Friday. According to health department officials, 46 people died in JMCH, 35 in Golaghat civil hospital and four in Titabor sub-divisional hospital. Assam: After the death of 83 people due to consumption of spurious liquor in Golaghat & Jorhat, Excise Department & District Administration are conducting operation across the state against manufacture & sale of illicit liquor. 15,000 liters of liquor has been destroyed till now pic.twitter.com/8DDTL1vjnf — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2019 × In JMCH, 221 people are undergoing treatment for complications due to consumption of spurious liquor, while another 111 are being treated in Golaghat and eight in the Titabor hospital, they said. A large number of labourers of two tea estates of Golaghat and Jorhat districts had fallen ill after drinking the spurious liquor on Thursday night and 12 of them had died the same night. Sonowal reviewed the condition of victims of the hooch tragedy undergoing treatment at JMCH. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families. Sonowal had ordered an inquiry into the incident by Upper Assam Division Commissioner Julie Sonowal on Friday and directed her to submit the report within a month. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also visited JMCH, said this morning that the "death toll and the number of people admitted is changing minute to minute". Asked if spurious liquor is still being sold in view of fresh cases being reported, Sarma said, "Patients who had developed complications two-three days ago are coming now. Some who had consumed liquor earlier are coming for treatment after hearing the news of the hooch tragedy out of fear. These people are psychologically in shock and so they think they are ill." Doctors from Assam Medical College Hospital of Dibrugarh district, Gauhati Medical College Hospital and Tezpur Medical College Hospital in Sonitpur district were rushed to the Jorhat and Golaghat hospitals to provide medical care to a large number of affected people, he said. Besides, the director of medical education Anup Barman, directors of Health, Assam and the National Rural Health Mission will be stationed in Jorhat to supervise and coordinate the services being provided to the patients, the minister said. "The prime consideration now is how to give best medical treatment to the affected," Sarma said. Considering the situation in Jorhat vis a vis the hooch tragedy, hospital authorities have been asked to restrict the number of patients admitted with other complaints so that a maximum number of those who were taken ill after drinking spurious liquor can be accommodated there. Hospital authorities have also been instructed to provide food for the attendants of the hooch victims, besides the mandatory health care facilities and medicines. Assam Director General of Police Kuladhar Saikia said 12 persons have been detained in Golaghat for interrogation. Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and accused the BJP government in the Assam of not taking adequate steps to stop the sale of illicit liquor. Congress members also staged a protest in Golaghat and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya. Activists of the state's leading student and youth organisation Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad burnt an effigy of the excise minister at Golaghat and demanded his resignation. This is the second major hooch tragedy in the country within a fortnight. At least 70 people had died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand after drinking spurious liquor.

Assam hooch tragedy leaves 85 dead, government destroys 15,000 litres liquor

As many as 69 people are dead after consuming spurious liquor in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, confirmed Assam`s Excise Department.

The officials of the department said at least 40 people have been admitted in various hospitals.

Golaghat DSP Parthopratim Saikia said, "As many as 40 people are being treated in hospitals in Golaghat and Jorhat. Police have launched a massive crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution for illicit liquor in the area."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the deaths in a Facebook post saying, "I am saddened by the incident which occurred in Assam`s Golaghat area. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I hope that those undergoing treatments get well soon."

The deaths come less than two weeks after more than 70 people died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand from consuming illegally produced local alcohol.&nbsp;

As many as 69 people are dead after consuming spurious liquor in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, confirmed Assam`s Excise Department. The officials of the department said at least 40 people have been admitted in various hospitals.

As many as 69 people are dead after consuming spurious liquor in Golaghat and Jorhat districts, confirmed Assam`s Excise Department. The officials of the department said at least 40 people have been admitted in various hospitals. Golaghat DSP Parthopratim Saikia said, "As many as 40 people are being treated in hospitals in Golaghat and Jorhat. Police have launched a massive crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution for illicit liquor in the area." Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condoled the deaths in a Facebook post saying, "I am saddened by the incident which occurred in Assam`s Golaghat area. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I hope that those undergoing treatments get well soon." The deaths come less than two weeks after more than 70 people died in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand from consuming illegally produced local alcohol.

Hooch tragedy: Over 60 dead after consuming spurious liquor in Assam

Two persons were arrested for selling illicit liquor in Roorkee on Monday.

J Khanduri, SSP Haridwar told the media, "They have accepted that they sold illicit liquor in Saharanpur too. They have named another accused in the case, further investigation is underway."

Earlier on Monday, the Haridwar police had arrested the prime accused Sardar Hardev and his son Sukka in Jhabrera in connection with the deaths that occurred due to consumption of illicit liquor in Uttarkhand`s Roorkee.

DG Law and Order Ashok Kumar told ANI that so far four people have been arrested in the region.

Consumption of spurious illegal liquor has claimed the lives of more than 70 people in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, forcing government officials to launch a major crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution of illicit liquor in the states and its neighbouring regions.

Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection with hooch tragedy in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, which claimed eight lives, said Superintendent of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra on Sunday.

The Uttar Pradesh government had on Sunday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor in the state.

Two persons were arrested for selling illicit liquor in Roorkee on Monday. J Khanduri, SSP Haridwar told the media, "They have accepted that they sold illicit liquor in Saharanpur too.

Two persons were arrested for selling illicit liquor in Roorkee on Monday. J Khanduri, SSP Haridwar told the media, "They have accepted that they sold illicit liquor in Saharanpur too. They have named another accused in the case, further investigation is underway." Earlier on Monday, the Haridwar police had arrested the prime accused Sardar Hardev and his son Sukka in Jhabrera in connection with the deaths that occurred due to consumption of illicit liquor in Uttarkhand`s Roorkee. DG Law and Order Ashok Kumar told ANI that so far four people have been arrested in the region. Consumption of spurious illegal liquor has claimed the lives of more than 70 people in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, forcing government officials to launch a major crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution of illicit liquor in the states and its neighbouring regions. Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection with hooch tragedy in Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, which claimed eight lives, said Superintendent of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra on Sunday. The Uttar Pradesh government had on Sunday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor in the state.

Uttrakhand: 2 held in Roorkee in Hooch tragedy

The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/death-toll-in-hooch-tragedy-rises-to-70-in-uttrakhand-uttar-pradesh-196229">consumption of illicit liquor in the state</a>.

Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection with Kushinagar hooch tragedy, which claimed eight lives, said Superintendent of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra on Sunday.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those who died after consuming spurious liquor and Rs 50,000 each to those who are undergoing treatment.

Eastern Uttar Pradesh General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too expressed grief over the death of more than 100 people in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh due to illicit liquor consumption and demanded an appropriate compensation and provision of government jobs for kin of the deceased.

Consumption of spurious illegal liquor has claimed the lives of 70 people in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttarakhand-34-die-after-drinking-hooch-in-haridwar-village-196159"> Uttarakhand </a>and Uttar Pradesh, forcing government officials to launch a major crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution of illicit liquor in the states and its neighbouring regions.&nbsp;

While 13 people lost their lives in Uttarakhand, the death toll in Uttar Pradesh mounted to 56.&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor in the state.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday constituted a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe recent deaths due to consumption of illicit liquor in the state. Meanwhile, two persons have been arrested in connection with Kushinagar hooch tragedy, which claimed eight lives, said Superintendent of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra on Sunday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of those who died after consuming spurious liquor and Rs 50,000 each to those who are undergoing treatment. Eastern Uttar Pradesh General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too expressed grief over the death of more than 100 people in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh due to illicit liquor consumption and demanded an appropriate compensation and provision of government jobs for kin of the deceased. Consumption of spurious illegal liquor has claimed the lives of 70 people in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, forcing government officials to launch a major crackdown to nab those responsible for distribution of illicit liquor in the states and its neighbouring regions. While 13 people lost their lives in Uttarakhand, the death toll in Uttar Pradesh mounted to 56.

Hooch tragedy: Uttar Pradesh government constitutes SIT to probe deaths

The death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy that hit Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;rose to 70 on Saturday.

More people died of the hooch they drank at a Haridwar village in Uttarakhand, the officials said on Saturday.

Twenty-four of the victims died in Balupur and its neighbouring villages in Haridwar district, the official added.

Forty-six others, who had come home to the adjoining Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, after drinking the spurious liquor in Balupur on Thursday night, are also dead.

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath have announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased who died after consuming illicit liquor in Roorkee.&nbsp;An additional aid of Rs 50,000 will be given to the people who are in critical condition.

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Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has announced to give a compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased &amp; Rs.50,000 each to those who are in a critical condition after consumption of illicit liquor in Roorkee. <a href="https://t.co/1O3plzHE7r">pic.twitter.com/1O3plzHE7r</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094165019837685763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy that hit Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh rose to 70 on Saturday. More people died of the hooch they drank at a Haridwar village in Uttarakhand, the officials said on Saturday.

The death toll in the spurious liquor tragedy that hit Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh rose to 70 on Saturday. More people died of the hooch they drank at a Haridwar village in Uttarakhand, the officials said on Saturday. Twenty-four of the victims died in Balupur and its neighbouring villages in Haridwar district, the official added. Forty-six others, who had come home to the adjoining Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, after drinking the spurious liquor in Balupur on Thursday night, are also dead. Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath have announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased who died after consuming illicit liquor in Roorkee. An additional aid of Rs 50,000 will be given to the people who are in critical condition. Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat has announced to give a compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased & Rs.50,000 each to those who are in a critical condition after consumption of illicit liquor in Roorkee. pic.twitter.com/1O3plzHE7r — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2019 × (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll in hooch tragedy rises to 70 in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh

Telangana State Police on Wednesday seized Rs 86.5 crore cash, four lakh litres of liquor, and more than 8400 arms have been deposited till now as part of preparations ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Moreover, special arrangements have been made in Naxal-affected areas to avoid untoward incidents ahead of polls, scheduled to be held on December 7 (Friday).

Speaking to the media, ADG law and order Jitender said, "Polls are going to be held on December 7. During the last three months, we have executed more than 11,000 non-bailable warrants. We have also asked the armed licensees to deposit their licensed arms and till now, we have received more than 8400 arms."

Elaborating upon the security arrangements for conducting fair and peaceful elections, Jitender said that security forces will be present at over 32,000 polling stations.

"We have provided security to 32,574 polling stations in more than 18,000 locations. Around 4,000 locations have been identified as critical, in which extra security will be provided. We are conducting combing operations in Naxal-affected areas. All candidates have been given sufficient security for their campaigning," he said.

Results of the Telangana Assembly elections will be announced on December 11.&nbsp;

Telangana State Police on Wednesday seized Rs 86.5 crore cash, four lakh litres of liquor, and more than 8400 arms have been deposited till now as part of preparations ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

Telangana State Police on Wednesday seized Rs 86.5 crore cash, four lakh litres of liquor, and more than 8400 arms have been deposited till now as part of preparations ahead of the Assembly elections in the state. Moreover, special arrangements have been made in Naxal-affected areas to avoid untoward incidents ahead of polls, scheduled to be held on December 7 (Friday). Speaking to the media, ADG law and order Jitender said, "Polls are going to be held on December 7. During the last three months, we have executed more than 11,000 non-bailable warrants. We have also asked the armed licensees to deposit their licensed arms and till now, we have received more than 8400 arms." Elaborating upon the security arrangements for conducting fair and peaceful elections, Jitender said that security forces will be present at over 32,000 polling stations. "We have provided security to 32,574 polling stations in more than 18,000 locations. Around 4,000 locations have been identified as critical, in which extra security will be provided. We are conducting combing operations in Naxal-affected areas. All candidates have been given sufficient security for their campaigning," he said. Results of the Telangana Assembly elections will be announced on December 11.

Rs 86.5 crore cash, 4 lakh litres of liquor seized in poll-bound Telangana

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government said it has been mulling over the idea of declaring 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg in Ayodhya and birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura as pilgrim centres.&nbsp;

According to reports, the move will be directed to check and stop the sale and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian items in the area, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

UP minister Shrikant Sharma stated that crores of devotees want the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian items to be banned in the holy cities of Mathura and Ayodhya, adding that the state government is "working" towards "honouring their demands."

"Honouring their demands, the state government is working to declare the area around 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg in Ayodhya and the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura as pilgrim centres. Once this happens, a ban on the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food and liquor will automatically come into effect," Sharma said, adding that Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Giriraj ji and Sapt Kosi Parikrama area of Govardhan already have a ban on sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food and liquor. The cities had been declared pilgrim centres previously.&nbsp;

On Monday, reports claimed that the state government is now considering a proposal to ban the sale of liquor and meat in the entire district, a demand made by local seers.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government said it has been mulling over the idea of declaring 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg in Ayodhya and birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura as pilgrim centres.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government said it has been mulling over the idea of declaring 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg in Ayodhya and birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura as pilgrim centres. According to reports, the move will be directed to check and stop the sale and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian items in the area, news agency PTI reported. UP minister Shrikant Sharma stated that crores of devotees want the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian items to be banned in the holy cities of Mathura and Ayodhya, adding that the state government is "working" towards "honouring their demands." "Honouring their demands, the state government is working to declare the area around 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg in Ayodhya and the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura as pilgrim centres. Once this happens, a ban on the sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food and liquor will automatically come into effect," Sharma said, adding that Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon, Giriraj ji and Sapt Kosi Parikrama area of Govardhan already have a ban on sale and consumption of non-vegetarian food and liquor. The cities had been declared pilgrim centres previously. On Monday, reports claimed that the state government is now considering a proposal to ban the sale of liquor and meat in the entire district, a demand made by local seers. (With inputs from PTI)

UP government mulls banning sale of liquor, meat in parts of Ayodhya and Mathura

Protesters hurled tomatoes and eggs on Saturday at the home of Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar for saying that Rajputs and Yadavs consume more liquor than others.

Youths, some of them wearing red caps, mobbed the minister's official residence in Hazratganj area this afternoon, raising slogans and damaging his nameplate. Reacting to the minister's remarks, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, "It is people who use intoxicants, not any caste."

Rajbhar had made the controversial remarks in Varanasi on Friday while arguing against drinking.

While calling for a ban on alcohol in the state, Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said that people belonging to Rajput and Yadav caste consume more liquor than others.He further said that drinking alcohol is the"ancestral business" of both the castes.

Rajbhar, who heads the backward classes welfare portfolio in the UP Cabinet, is a leader of BJP ally, Suheldev Bharatiya Party.

He has courted controversy earlier with his criticism of the performance of the Yogi Adityanath government in the state.

In another controversial on drinking, he had said, "If someone offers you liquor, consume it but vote as per you discretion." Police said nobody has been detained yet over the protests at the minister's home.

"We are probing the matter," an officer said.

Rajbhar had made the controversial remarks in Varanasi on Friday while arguing against drinking.

Protesters hurled tomatoes and eggs on Saturday at the home of Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar for saying that Rajputs and Yadavs consume more liquor than others. Youths, some of them wearing red caps, mobbed the minister's official residence in Hazratganj area this afternoon, raising slogans and damaging his nameplate. Reacting to the minister's remarks, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, "It is people who use intoxicants, not any caste." Rajbhar had made the controversial remarks in Varanasi on Friday while arguing against drinking. While calling for a ban on alcohol in the state, Uttar Pradesh Minister and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar said that people belonging to Rajput and Yadav caste consume more liquor than others.He further said that drinking alcohol is the"ancestral business" of both the castes. Rajbhar, who heads the backward classes welfare portfolio in the UP Cabinet, is a leader of BJP ally, Suheldev Bharatiya Party. He has courted controversy earlier with his criticism of the performance of the Yogi Adityanath government in the state. In another controversial on drinking, he had said, "If someone offers you liquor, consume it but vote as per you discretion." Police said nobody has been detained yet over the protests at the minister's home. "We are probing the matter," an officer said.

Protest at UP minister's home for saying 'Rajputs and Yadavs consume more liquor than others'

India&#39;s southern Kerala state on Thursday (June 08) amended its existing liquor policy, allowing three and four star hotels to acquire licenses to sell liquor. 
 
In 2014, the then provincial government had brought in a significant change in the policy by which only five star hotels were permitted to serve liquor, in a move to make the state alcohol-free. 
 
The government&#39;s decision virtually led to the closure of over 700 liquor bars below the five-star category across the state. The revised policy, approved by the state government during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, will come into effect from July 1. 
 
Under the amended policy, restaurants with FL-3 and FL-2 licenses would be permitted to serve liquor in banquet halls on specific occasions after paying a fee. The timing of the bars has been changed from 11 am to 11 pm, while in tourist places the timing would be 10 am to 11 pm. 
 
The minimum age to drink liquor has also been raised from 21 years to 23. Under the changed policy, liquor would be made available in both domestic and international terminals of airports in the state. Terming the previous government&#39;s policy a &quot;complete failure&quot;, state chief Pinarayi Vijayan said de-addiction centres would be opened to help those struggling with alcoholism and public awareness campaigns would be held to warn people about the dangers of drinking. 
 
The decision brought cheers in the state&#39;s 700-plus bars that were shut by the previous government, effectively making them beer and wine parlours. The decision has also been welcomed by the tourism industry. Meanwhile, former state chief Oommen Chandy termed the decision &quot;unfortunate&quot; and said the people of the province would oppose the revised policy. Kerala has the country&#39;s highest alcohol consumption per capita. The restrictions on the sale of liquor had severely affected the state&#39;s tourism.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by WION&#39;s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed)

Kerala allowed three and four star hotels to acquire licenses to sell liquor

India's southern Kerala state on Thursday (June 08) amended its existing liquor policy, allowing three and four star hotels to acquire licenses to sell liquor. In 2014, the then provincial government had brought in a significant change in the policy by which only five star hotels were permitted to serve liquor, in a move to make the state alcohol-free. The government's decision virtually led to the closure of over 700 liquor bars below the five-star category across the state. The revised policy, approved by the state government during a cabinet meeting on Thursday, will come into effect from July 1. Under the amended policy, restaurants with FL-3 and FL-2 licenses would be permitted to serve liquor in banquet halls on specific occasions after paying a fee. The timing of the bars has been changed from 11 am to 11 pm, while in tourist places the timing would be 10 am to 11 pm. The minimum age to drink liquor has also been raised from 21 years to 23. Under the changed policy, liquor would be made available in both domestic and international terminals of airports in the state. Terming the previous government's policy a "complete failure", state chief Pinarayi Vijayan said de-addiction centres would be opened to help those struggling with alcoholism and public awareness campaigns would be held to warn people about the dangers of drinking. The decision brought cheers in the state's 700-plus bars that were shut by the previous government, effectively making them beer and wine parlours. The decision has also been welcomed by the tourism industry. Meanwhile, former state chief Oommen Chandy termed the decision "unfortunate" and said the people of the province would oppose the revised policy. Kerala has the country's highest alcohol consumption per capita. The restrictions on the sale of liquor had severely affected the state's tourism. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by WION's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed)

India: Kerala dilutes liquor policy; over 700 bars set to reopen

Gujarat&#39;s liquor&nbsp;prohibition policy has not yielded &quot;positive results&quot;, the state High Court observed, adding either it is not effective or something is wrong with the implementation of the law.

Justice J B Pardiwala, in an order passed recently, observed that the &quot;prohibition policy in Gujarat has not been able to yield positive results,&quot; and said that &quot;either the policy is not effective or something is wrong with the implementation of the law.&quot;&nbsp;

The court said this while dismissing a set of petitions filed by licenced liquor vendors from Daman seeking quashing of FIRs lodged against them by Gujarat police after people caught with liquor under Bombay Prohibition Act in the state showed them as suppliers.

&quot;I take judicial notice of the fact that the prohibition policy in the state of Gujarat has not been able to yield positive results,&quot; Justice Pardiwala said in the order.

&quot;One may not find an open bar on a public street, but the number of cases, as on date, pending in different courts in the state of Gujarat, bears eloquent testimony to the fact that either the policy is not effective or something is wrong with the implementation of the law,&quot; he said.

&quot;Out of 3,99,221 criminal cases pending as on February 28, 2017 in the state of Gujarat, 55,645 cases are under the Bombay Prohibition Act,&quot; the judge added.

The court further said that prohibition policy in Gujarat has not worked also because of the easy entry points in Gujarat for liquor.

&quot;Daman is one big hub where liquor is available in abundance and a large quantity of liquor is being illegally brought into the State of Gujarat from Daman,&quot; Justice J B Pardiwala&nbsp;said.

The court further observed &quot;it is high time that the central government considers denotifying Daman as a part of the UT and make it a part of the state of Gujarat so as to make the Prohibition Act applicable, which may have its own effect, and more particularly, after the recent amendment in the Act, providing more stringent provisions&quot;.

(PTI)

The Gujarat High Court said Daman should be made a part of the state of Gujarat to make the Prohibition Act applicable

Gujarat's liquor prohibition policy has not yielded "positive results", the state High Court observed, adding either it is not effective or something is wrong with the implementation of the law. Justice J B Pardiwala, in an order passed recently, observed that the "prohibition policy in Gujarat has not been able to yield positive results," and said that "either the policy is not effective or something is wrong with the implementation of the law." The court said this while dismissing a set of petitions filed by licenced liquor vendors from Daman seeking quashing of FIRs lodged against them by Gujarat police after people caught with liquor under Bombay Prohibition Act in the state showed them as suppliers. "I take judicial notice of the fact that the prohibition policy in the state of Gujarat has not been able to yield positive results," Justice Pardiwala said in the order. "One may not find an open bar on a public street, but the number of cases, as on date, pending in different courts in the state of Gujarat, bears eloquent testimony to the fact that either the policy is not effective or something is wrong with the implementation of the law," he said. "Out of 3,99,221 criminal cases pending as on February 28, 2017 in the state of Gujarat, 55,645 cases are under the Bombay Prohibition Act," the judge added. The court further said that prohibition policy in Gujarat has not worked also because of the easy entry points in Gujarat for liquor. "Daman is one big hub where liquor is available in abundance and a large quantity of liquor is being illegally brought into the State of Gujarat from Daman," Justice J B Pardiwala said. The court further observed "it is high time that the central government considers denotifying Daman as a part of the UT and make it a part of the state of Gujarat so as to make the Prohibition Act applicable, which may have its own effect, and more particularly, after the recent amendment in the Act, providing more stringent provisions". (PTI)

Liquor?prohibition not working in Gujarat, Daman hub of illegal liquor: Gujarat HC

India&#39;s highest court was alarmed there was a road accident every four minutes, giving the country the ignominous and an unwanted tag of being the &quot;accident capital of the world&quot;.

In 2014 alone, there were 237,000 road accidents on&nbsp;national and state highways across the country, which left at least 85,462 people dead and 259,000 injured.

India&#39;s Supreme Court was apprised of the grim figures during a case after which on December 15, it ordered a ban on all liquor shops across the state and national highways in the country. It also made clear&nbsp;that licenses of the existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year.

In 2014, the court learnt that there were 7,307 accident cases involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, resulting in 2,591 deaths and over 7,300 wounded.

The court said it was imperative there was proper enforcement of law preventing driving under influence.

&quot;Human life is precious. As the road network expands in India, road infrastructure being an integral part of economic development, accidents profoundly impact on the life of common citizen. For a nation on the cusp of economic development, India can well avoid the tag of being the accident capital of the world,&quot; a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

India's apex court ordered shutting of all liquor shops on highways after it heard there were 237,000 road accidents in 2014 alone

India's highest court was alarmed there was a road accident every four minutes, giving the country the ignominous and an unwanted tag of being the "accident capital of the world". In 2014 alone, there were 237,000 road accidents on national and state highways across the country, which left at least 85,462 people dead and 259,000 injured. India's Supreme Court was apprised of the grim figures during a case after which on December 15, it ordered a ban on all liquor shops across the state and national highways in the country. It also made clear that licenses of the existing shops will not be renewed after March 31 next year. In 2014, the court learnt that there were 7,307 accident cases involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, resulting in 2,591 deaths and over 7,300 wounded. The court said it was imperative there was proper enforcement of law preventing driving under influence. "Human life is precious. As the road network expands in India, road infrastructure being an integral part of economic development, accidents profoundly impact on the life of common citizen. For a nation on the cusp of economic development, India can well avoid the tag of being the accident capital of the world," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice T S Thakur said. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: Court urges action to shed 'accident capital of the world' tag

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