Hyderabad, Jan 1 (IANS) The death toll in the hooch tragedy in Andhra Pradesh’s Krishna district rose to 13 with three more people succumbing Sunday, police said.
Hours before the dawn of New Year, the tragedy struck Poratanagar in Krishna district of coastal Andhra.
Ten people are still battling for life in hospitals at Mylavarm and Vijayawada.
The dead include three women. The victims, belonging to three tribal hamlets, consumed the country-made liquor Saturday evening. They suffered giddiness and were rushed to the hospitals.
Ten died Saturday night and three Sunday morning.
Police arrested Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader D. Umamaheswara Rao early Sunday as he along with relatives of the victims sat on a ‘dharna’ at the excise office at Mylavaram Saturday night, demanding action against the guilty and compensation of Rs.10 lakh each to the families of the victims.
Minister for excise Mopidevi Venkataramana ordered judicial probe into the incident. He also ordered suspension of a circle inspector and a sub-inspector of excise department of Mylavaram.
