The Survivors and Families of Bengal Hooch Tragedy - Calcutta

Media Summary

In one of India's worst liquor tragedies, aprroximately 170 people have died since December 2011. In every house of Sangrampur, there is at least one victim. This portrait-series traces the lives changed forever by the tragedy. 8th January 2012

Report current story

in Society, on the 8th of January 2012

Previous Pause Next

Sangrampur is a sleepy village, 50kms from Calcutta, India. Today, most houses have someone affected due to tragedy. Locals believe that an ignorant brewer had accidentally mixed excess amount of pesticide to strengthen the liquor.

ID: 1043121

More Info

ID: 1043113

More Info

Sons of Saukat Mollah, who died after consuming illicit liquor in Sangrampur village, 50kms from Calcutta, India.

ID: 1043093

More Info

Moshiar Mollah fell ill on 14th December 2011. 'Headaches and stomach cramps were the first indications. But I am lucky to be alive and with my family.'

ID: 1043096

More Info

Toeb (right) and Kadbanu Lashkar mourn the death of their son, Akhibullah. 'It's a big responsibility,' Toeb says, 'I will have to raise our grandson all on my own now.'

ID: 1043110

More Info

Shaad Ali Mollah feels lucky to be alive. 'I fell ill after consuming the cholai liquor but survived because of god's grace,' he says, promising never to drink again.

ID: 1043095

More Info

Noorbanur, in her late seventies mourns the loss of her two young sons, Golam and Ainul Lashkar during the hooch tragedy. 'My daughter-in-laws are beggars now,' she mourns, 'Both the boys have left us!'

ID: 1043115

More Info