By Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati : In the country’s worst hooch tragedy, more than 170 people have died so far and threatening to touch 200 as more and more affected people lost their lives. In Golaghat district’s Salmara the death toll has crossed 66 while in Jorhat Mecial College Hospital (JMCH) it is 71 so far with more other battling for life.The death toll was 150 till Sunday morning and now it has crossed 170. More than 200 others are struggling for life in Golaghat and Jorhat Hospitals as the authorities have reinforced the doctor’s strength from neighbouring districts. Excise department has registered a total of 90 cases regarding the unauthorised sale and production of hooch and also for violating the excise law. The Excise department and police on Sunday once again launched crackdown against illicit liquor in Pandu and Maligaon area in the city and seized huge amount of hooch. During the operation they also seized foreign liquor from various pan shops in Pandu area.The Excise department also destroyed more than four illicit liquor dens in the area. Police detained two people for drinking in public places. The crackdown came after more than 170 people died consuming hooch in upper Assam.