Three Dead, Two Hospitalised from Toxic Alcohol

Three men have died and two others remain critically ill in hospital following the consumption of suspected toxic alcohol in the Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur. Ershad Hossain, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mithapukur Police Station, confirmed the details of the incident on Monday morning, 1 June.

According to police and local sources, the incident transpired late on Sunday night, 31 May, when a group of men gathered to consume alcohol in the Balarhat Bazar area. Upon returning to their respective homes after the gathering, they gradually began to feel unwell. Although their initial physical discomfort was dismissed as minor, their conditions deteriorated rapidly within a short period.

The victims exhibited severe symptoms shortly after consumption, including vomiting, dizziness, respiratory distress, and a loss of consciousness. It is strongly suspected that the alcohol they consumed was contaminated with toxic or harmful chemical substances.

Victim Profile and Status

As their conditions worsened, relatives attempted to rush the affected individuals to nearby medical facilities. However, two of the men passed away before they could reach a hospital. A third victim succumbed to his illness whilst receiving treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

The identities of the deceased and the status of those affected are detailed in the table below:

Local Administration and Police Response

Two other individuals who fell ill during the same gathering are currently undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Medical professionals have placed both patients under close observation. Although hospital authorities have not released an official statement regarding their clinical status, local residents claim that neither patient is out of danger.

Commenting on the tragedy, Md. Maidul Islam, a local Union Parishad (UP) member, stated that he had learned the fatalities were directly caused by the consumption of alcohol. He further noted reports suggesting that the families of the deceased were initially attempting to conceal the incident in an effort to avoid mandatory post-mortem examinations.

Following the report of the fatalities, the Mithapukur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) alongside the Mithapukur Police Officer-in-Charge of Investigation visited the locality. They spoke with residents and witnesses to gather preliminary information regarding the circumstances surrounding the event.

OC Ershad Hossain stated that law enforcement is fully aware of the situation. He confirmed that an official investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of death and to identify the source of the allegedly toxic alcohol. The officer assured that necessary legal actions would be strictly pursued against those responsible.