Two tipplers die, one critical after consuming aftershave lotion as booze substitute

Two alcoholics died and another person has been admitted to the hospital, after they allegedly consumed an aftershave lotion as booze substitute at Kottaipattinam coastal hamlet in this district in the wee hours of Saturday.

Police said, the deceased were identified as Hassan Mydeen (33) and Arun Pandiyan (30). Their friend Anwar Raja (34) was undergoing treatment in a serious condition in a private hospital here.

The trio were said to be habitual drinkers and used to consume liquor together.

Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) closed all its retail outlets and bars till April 14, in view of the countrywide lockdown to ensure social distancing to prevent spread of novel coronavirus pandemic.

Due to non-availability of liquor, the trio consumed aftershave lotion mixed with soft drinks in a desperate search for booze on Thursday night.

All the three were admitted to the Manamelkudi government  Primary Health Centre (PHC), after they had complained of vomiting and giddiness.

Hassan Mydeen and Arun Pandiyan died at the PHC without responding to treatment, while Anwar Raja was treated at Aranthangi government hospital and later referred to a private hospital.

Police seized the aftershave lotion bottle and sent it to the forensic laboratory for examination.

Further investigation is on.