Election-eve liquor party claims four lives in Maharashtra

Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), Feb 14 (IANS) A poll-eve party thrown by two Shiv Sena women candidates contesting local elections here claimed at least four lives, police said on Tuesday.

The party, where food and liquor flowed freely, was hosted on Sunday night for party workers, activists and other local supporters in Pangarmal village, around 30 km from here, said investigating officer Rahul Pawar.

The following day, several people started complaining of uneasiness, headaches, chest pain and severe vomiting. They were rushed to local hospitals.

By late Monday evening at least three persons died and the fourth one succumbed on Tuesday morning, said Pawar. The condition of at least one other is said to be critical.

The victims are Rajendra Andhale, Popatrao Awhad, Dilip Awhad, and Prabhakar Petale.

"The cause of the death is not known and we are awaiting the forensic test reports of the victims. We have lodged an FIR against the two candidates and others in this connection," Pawar told IANS.

Among the six persons booked under various sections, include the two women candidates, Bhagyashree Mokate and Mangal Awhad, from Jeur where polling will be held on February 16.

The others are Govind Mokate (candidate's father), Mahadev Awhad (candidate's husband) and a local party activist Bhimraj Ginwavar.

All have been booked for various offences including pertaining to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Further investigations are underway to trace the source of the food and drinks served in the party, according to Pawar.

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