A total of nine deaths were reported in Tuensang Town and the Chendang Saddle area on September 10 and 11, 2026, with Tuensang Police saying the deaths have a direct or indirect circumstantial linkage with alcohol consumption and are being investigated.
Tuensang Police said preliminary enquiries indicated that most of the deceased had reportedly consumed liquor before developing symptoms including blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
However, the police cautioned that consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor as the cause of the deaths has not been scientifically and conclusively established at this stage. Scientific and forensic procedures are being undertaken to determine the exact circumstances and cause of the deaths.
Police said their present assessment was based on available medical records, preliminary enquiries and other information collected during the investigation.
In most cases, postmortem examinations could not be conducted as the mortal remains had already been taken for funerals before police became aware of the pattern of deaths.
One person, reportedly a family member of a liquor seller, died by hanging and the case is being investigated as a suspected suicide, police said.
Tuensang Police said they were conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, determine the source and nature of the liquor consumed and identify any person or persons who may be responsible.
Police also said three of those who died were members of the same family, from whose premises the liquor was reportedly purchased by some of the deceased.
470 bottles and cans seized
Following reports received on September 12 regarding a pattern of deaths among people admitted to Tuensang Civil Hospital, Tuensang Police launched search and raid operations across Tuensang Town and the Chendang Saddle area.
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During the operations, approximately 470 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and beer cans were seized from different locations, police said.
Widespread public awareness and information dissemination have also been undertaken to alert people about the risks associated with liquor purchased from unknown, unauthorised or suspected adulterated sources.
Further scientific and medical examinations are being carried out in coordination with the concerned authorities, police said.
Police advisory
Tuensang Police have appealed to the public to abstain from consuming liquor, particularly as the source and origin of the liquor suspected to be linked to the deaths remain unclear.
People have been advised not to purchase or consume liquor from unknown or unauthorised sources or any liquor suspected to be adulterated, tampered with or of doubtful quality.
Anyone developing symptoms such as blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or any other unusual symptoms after consuming liquor has been advised to seek immediate medical attention and inform the nearest police station or concerned authorities.
Police have also urged the public to report the sale, distribution or availability of suspected spurious/adulterated liquor and to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
The public has been requested to refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information and to rely only on official updates.
