Tragedy in Uttarakhand: BJP Functionary and Advocate Die After Drinking Allegedly Poisoned Liquor
A shocking incident in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district has claimed two lives, including that of a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionary, after they consumed liquor that was allegedly poisoned. The tragic event occurred on Thursday night in the Khatima area, leaving a third individual fighting for his life in a critical condition at a hospital in Bareilly.
Victims Identified as Prominent Local Figures
The deceased have been identified as Dhillu Singh Rana, a 52-year-old social worker from Kanjabagh with deep roots in the tribal community, and Malkit Singh Rana, an advocate from Bhagchuri. Dhillu Singh Rana was a well-known BJP member who had previously contested municipal chairman elections on the party's ticket, highlighting his active political involvement. The injured victim is Pravesh Maurya, also an advocate, who is currently receiving intensive medical care.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Fatal Incident
According to police reports, the three men had attended a wedding ceremony in the Saijna area and were returning late at night when they purchased a bottle of liquor from a shop on Kanjabagh Road. They stopped near a banquet hall owned by Dhillu Singh Rana to consume the alcohol. Shortly after taking their first drink, all three immediately experienced a severe burning sensation in their abdomens and began having difficulty breathing.
Pravesh Maurya later informed the police that the liquor had an unusual and foul smell, suggesting it may have been contaminated or mixed with poisonous substances. As their conditions deteriorated rapidly, a local resident named Shravan Kumar rushed them in a private vehicle to the sub-district hospital in Khatima for emergency treatment.
Medical Response and Fatal Outcomes
Emergency medical officer VP Singh stated that despite administering immediate medical attention, Dhillu Singh Rana could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Given the critical nature of the other two victims' conditions, they were referred to a higher medical center for advanced care. Tragically, Malkit Singh Rana succumbed to his injuries while en route to the facility.
Police Investigation and Evidence Collection
Station House Officer Vijendra Shah confirmed that Dhillu Singh Rana's body has been placed in the mortuary pending further examination. The police have seized the liquor bottles and a plastic container emitting a foul odor from the scene, along with other crucial evidence. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, with the exact cause of death to be determined only after the postmortem reports are available.
This incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and the potential dangers of contaminated alcohol in the region. The local community is in mourning as investigations continue to uncover the circumstances behind this devastating event.
