People hospitalised in Malihabad after consuming spurious liquor.
27 people have died on the outskirts of Uttar Pradesh's capital Lucknow after consuming spurious liquor on Monday. Over 80 people have also been reportedly admitted to various hospitals.
The families of the deceased said the victims fell sick immediately after consuming liquor, which reportedly cost Rs 40 for a 250 ml pack.
The police have identified the accused as Jugnu, who was arrested on Monday evening and is being interrogated after crates of the same liquor was recovered from him.
"The accused has been arrested and is being interrogated. The police have recovered a Maruti Omni and some crates of liquor from him," said Inspector General (Law and Order) V Sathish Ganesh.
Acting on the case, the state government has suspended 16 people including a sub-district magistrate, nine officers of the excise department and six local policemen.
A departmental inquiry against the Joint Excise Commissioner has also been initiated. State Excise Commissioner Anil Garg has been removed from his post.
The state government has announced a compensation of 2 Rs lakh each for the bereaved families.