Lucknow, May 29: Pappu Jaiswal, the main accused of the spurious liquor deaths case in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, has been injured and arrested following an encounter with police on Wednesday. A total of 16 people were killed after consuming spurious liquor in Barabanki district on Tuesday. Following the orders of the administration, District Excise Officer, Excise Inspector, Ramnagar Circle Officer, and Station House Officer have been suspended with immediate effect.

As per reports, the matter came to light after Lekhpal Sadar Badel claimed that he got information about eight people having died in Ramnagar after consuming illicit liquor. Moreover, the people in Raniganj and adjoining villages were rushed to Ramnagar Community Health Centre (CHC) from where most of them were referred to Lucknow's Trauma Centre. Barabanki Hooch Tragedy: Death Toll Mounts to 14, Liquor Shop Sealed.

Following the unfortunate deaths in the state, the UP police arrested three people in connection with the case. According to a report by ANI, the state government has also formed a three-member committee headed by Uttar Pradesh Excise Commissioner to investigate the incident. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the government within 48 hours. Barabanki Hooch Tragedy: At Least 8 Dead After Consuming Spurious Liquor; UP Police Launches Probe.

In the wake of the tragic incident, the state government of Uttar Pradesh announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the deceased. According to reports, the police arrested three people including the salesman of the country-made liquor shop from where the affected people had purchased liquor. Search for the owner is still on.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2019 09:48 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).