Dimapur: Methanol has been qualitatively detected in samples of seized alcoholic beverages sent for forensic examination following the deaths of nine people in Nagaland’s Tuensang district earlier this month, police said.
According to a release issued by the Tuensang additional superintendent of police, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Dimapur, reported on September 24 that the samples tested positive for methanol, also known as methyl alcohol.
However, the laboratory said it could not determine the quantity or concentration of methanol in the samples because the required instruments were unavailable.
The FSL also clarified that the qualitative detection of methanol alone does not establish its concentration or determine whether it exceeds the permissible limit applicable to the particular category of alcoholic beverage.
According to the report, trace amounts of methanol may be permitted under relevant food-safety standards, depending on the type of alcoholic beverage. It added that a quantitative analysis is necessary to establish the actual concentration and assess whether the samples comply with applicable standards.
Tuensang police said the seized samples have also been forwarded to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Guwahati, for detailed quantitative analysis. The results of that examination are awaited.
The police said the investigation remains underway, covering aspects including the source, supply chain and distribution of the suspected spurious liquor.
Further action will be taken after the complete forensic findings and other investigative details are available, the release said.
Meanwhile, Tuensang police have again urged people to avoid consuming unidentified, unlabelled or suspected illicit alcoholic beverages while the investigation into the deaths continues.