3 of family killed after inhaling toxic gases in Hazaribag

Hazaribag: Three members of a family were killed after inhaling toxic gases inside a tank used for fermenting mahua for illegal liquor production at Kud Basti in Hazaribag’s Katkamdag block late on Tuesday, police said.The deceased were identified as Chameli Devi, 50, her son Ravi Kumar, 25, and her brother-in-law Mahendra Saw, 45. Chameli’s husband Anand Saw, 55, has been admitted to Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribag for treatment.Police and locals said the family was allegedly involved in manufacturing illicit mahua and recently constructed a septic tank for fermenting the liquor. Preliminary investigation suggests toxic gases accumulated inside the enclosed chamber due to the decomposition process.Police said Chameli had entered the tank to bring out the fermented mahua. When she did not return for a long time, her son went inside the tank to check but also collapsed. Mahendra subsequently entered the tank in an attempt to rescue them, but he too fell unconscious. Anand later entered the tank in a bid to save the three, but he also fell unconscious after inhaling the gases.Neighbours later pulled four of them out of the tank and rushed them to hospital for treatment. Doctors declared three of them dead, while Anand is critical.Katkamdag police reached the spot after receiving information and sent the bodies for postmortem examination.Police also recovered liquor and materials used for preparation from the spot. Police are now investigating all aspects, including the alleged illegal liquor manufacturing. Police are also trying to ascertain how long the operation was running and whether others were involved in it.Officer in-charge of Katkamdag police station, Saroj Kumar Singh, said, “Preliminary investigation indicates toxic gases may be the reason behind their deaths.”