Deaths due to adulterated toddy: Telangana High Court seeks response from State government

Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court comprising acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Dr G Radha Rani on Thursday directed the State government to respond in the public interest litigation (PIL) case on the tragic loss of three people after consuming adulterated toddy in Mahabubnagar district.

The bench further directed to place the autopsy reports by the next date of hearing. The PIL case was taken up based on a letter submitted by a social worker Chintakunta Anil Kumar.

According to a Telugu newspaper daily report relied on by the petitioner, three people died and one person was severely ill after consuming adulterated toddy.

The Minister during his visit to the victim in hospital, ruled out the adulteration of toddy and warned strict action against officials and toddy shop owners if adulteration was proved.

However, there were serious allegations of threats and warnings to the victims’ families including a financial settlement stuck by the shop owners with the family of the victim who was hospitalised. The petitioner sought court directions for an impartial inquiry into the matter.

However, the government pleader claimed adulteration was not the cause of death by relying on the autopsy reports. The bench will further examine the matter on February 3.