A series of deaths linked to the consumption of spurious liquor has occurred in Nagaland over the last two weeks. The situation was first identified on September 24, when four individuals died and four others were hospitalized in the Mangkolemba area. Following the initial reports, authorities launched an investigation into the source of the alcohol.

Official testing of the seized substances has confirmed the presence of methanol, a toxic chemical often found in bootlegged alcohol that can cause blindness, organ failure, and death. While the initial cluster of deaths occurred in Mangkolemba, the death toll has since risen to 19 as the investigation continues. Authorities are currently working to trace the supply chain of the illicit liquor to prevent further casualties. The state government has faced pressure to crack down on the illegal trade of unregulated alcohol, which remains a persistent issue in the region.