Andhra Pradesh government forms SIT to probe liquor deaths in Vijayawada

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Government today constituted a Special Investigation Team ( SIT) to probe the spurious liquor case in which five labourers died following consumption of liquor at an outlet in Vijayawada.

"The Government has constituted SIT headed by senior IPS officer Mahesh Chandra Laddha to look into the case. The SIT, after a thorough investigation, would submit its report to the court," Andhra Pradesh DGP J V Ramudu told reporters here.

Five of the nearly 20 labourers, who had consumed liquor at a wine shop in Krishnalanka area of the city on December 7 developed complications and died. Others were admitted to various hospitals and are undergoing treatment.

Replying to a query, Ramudu said they are yet to get the report from Forensic Laboratories and only after that they will be able to tell the cause of death.

The wine shop is allegedly owned by close relatives of a former Congress MLA.

The Vijayawada police last night arrested nine employees of the outlet.