Vijayawada, Dec 7 (IANS): Five people died and 15 others were taken ill after consuming adulterated liquor here in Andhra Pradesh on Monday, police said.
The tragedy occurred in Krishnalanka area when 20 labourers had liquor at a shop. They took ill, and three of them died on the spot.
Others were rushed to a government-run hospital where two more people died during treatment. The condition of a few was stated to be critical.
Police and excise officials launched an investigation after recording the statement of some victims. They raided the liquor shop and sent the samples for chemical examination.
Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra, who visited the hospital and met families of the victims, directed officials to provide best possible treatment to those undergoing treatment.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered a probe into the incident.