Orissa excise minister quits over Cuttack hooch tragedy

New Delhi, Feb.9 (ANI): Orissa's Excise Minister A U Singhdeo resigned on Thursday accepting moral responsibility for the hooch tragedy in Cuttack.

The incident has so far claimed 32 lives. As many as 67 people had fallen sick after consuming a suspect medicinal concoction that was reportedly high in alcohol content and available at chemist stores at a cheap price.

The pharmaceutical laboratory that supplied the medicines has been sealed.

Surviving victims are battling for survival at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. A retired high court judge will conduct the probe, Orissa Chief Secretary B K Patnaik said.

Those affected by the hooch disaster would be provided free treatment,Patnaik said. (ANI)