Lucknow hooch tragedy: NHRC issues notice to UP Govt

NEW DELHI: National Human Rights Commission today issued notice to Uttar Pradesh Government over hooch tragedy in Lucknow and bordering areas of the state.

According to an official statement, the commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, UP Government, Inspector General of Police, Lucknow Range and District Magistrate, Lucknow calling for reports within two weeks in this connection.

The notices were issued after the Commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports on hooch tragedy in which 38 people died in Malihabad near Lucknow and its bordering Unnao district.

The State Government had ordered a magisterial enquiry and removed Excise Commissioner and 20 erring officials in connection with the incident.

UP police had registered four cases and arrested two of the main accused responsible for selling the spurious liquor.

The Commission observed that the contents of the press reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victims.