Goa, Sept. 13 -- At least nine people have died at Civil Hospital in Tuensang, Nagaland, following suspected consumption of spurious liquor, prompting the state police to issue a red alert and urge people to stay away from alcohol until the situation is clarified.

Nagaland Director General of Police Rupin Sharma issued the advisory on Sunday after receiving what he described as alarming information from Tuensang district. The deaths are suspected to be linked to toxic or illegally manufactured liquor, while an investigation is underway to establish the exact cause.

The police chief specifically warned residents of Mon, Mokokchung, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire, Shamator and Noklak districts against consuming liquor. He also appealed to pe...