KARACHI: More than two-dozen people have fallen prey to spurious liquor while doctors are trying to save the lives of other victims. There is a difference between the unofficial and official records regarding the deaths in this incident. At least seventeen people have died in last four days after the consumption of poisonous liquor on the occasion of Holi. The victims were initially taken to Civil Hospital, Karachi (CHK) from where some of the seriously affected patients were referred to others government and private hospitals in the city for further treatment. CHK Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Hamid has said that 35 patients were admitted on Saturday with regards to the consumption of poisonous liquor. “Out of them 12 people have died. Some seriously affected people were referred to other hospitals as the CHK does not have the facility of the ventilators,” Dr Hamid explained. All the affected persons were brought to hospitals in a state of unconsciousness.
The MS said that the doctors are treating the victims making all efforts to save them but he fears that it would be hard as most of the victims are in a critical condition. Meanwhile, sources in the area have stated that spurious liquor has claimed three more lives on Sunday but their bodies were not taken to any hospital. On the other hand, Lyari Town SP Rana Pervez Mehmood told Daily Times that the death toll has risen up to 12 as one more became a victim of the poisonous liquor on Sunday. It is pertinent to mention here that the police have been ordered to register and ensure the arrests of those behind the supply of spurious liquor in the city. SP Mehmood said the police have arrested a group member, namely Israr while adding that Mahmoodabad area is the main source from where the liquor is supplied all over the city. The SP said that more raids in this regard are being conducted.
