Five people died in a single day after consuming homemade liquor allegedly produced with narcotics, sleeping pills, and lime water in the Boyra area of Khulna city. 

The deceased have been identified as, Babu (50), son of Abdur Rob from Boyra Sherer Bazar, Sabu (60), son of Abdus Samad from Boyra Madhyapara, Gautam Kumar Biswas (47), resident of Boyra Junction, Azibor (59), and Tota (60)

All victims were reportedly residents of Khulna’s metropolitan area.

One other man, Sonu, from Khalishpur Daspara, is currently in critical condition and remains hospitalised.

Police have arrested a 78-year-old man who reportedly sold the concoction under the guise of homeopathic treatment.

The deaths occurred on Saturday (19 July) between morning and evening, prompting police to raid the residence of Sheikh Moslem Ali, a self-identified homeopathy practitioner. 

He was detained around midnight from his home on Malek Road in the city’s Rayermohol area.

According to the Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), Moslem Ali operated a shop named Matrishodhon Homeo Pharmacy, which was used as a front for producing and selling illegal alcohol. 

During a late-night search, law enforcement sealed the pharmacy and confiscated materials used in alcohol production.

“He was mixing a narcotic substance known as ‘Alkoli’ with sleeping pills and lime water to make the liquor at home,” said KMP Deputy Commissioner (South) Md Abu Tarek. 

He also said, “Some individuals consumed the drink at a shrimp enclosure in the Purbo Bill Pabla Madina Nagar area under Aronghata Police Station. When they fell ill, they were rushed to Khulna Medical College Hospital and other local facilities.”

Police confirmed that Moslem Ali had previously been arrested on similar charges related to the production and sale of illicit liquor.

SMS/