Pappu Jaiswal, the main accused was arrested early on Wednesday after an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh Police. The gunbattle took place near Amrai Kund in Barabanki where Pappu Jaiswal received bullet injuries in his leg. He has been admitted to the district hospital.
Besides, Sunil Jaiswal and Pitambar, the salesmen at the liquor shop, were also arrested late on Tuesday. as per the reports, the owner of the shop, Danvir Singh is still absconding.
The incident has prompted the Yogi Adityanath government to order a high-level probe into all the angles, including the possibility of a "political conspiracy". The UP government on Tuesday night ordered a magisterial probe into the Barabanki hooch tragedy. The inquiry will be headed by Barabanki chief development officer, an official spokesperson said.
The state government has also formed a three-member committee headed by Uttar Pradesh Excise Commissioner to probe the incident. The committee has been asked to submit its report to the government within 48 hours.
Hospital sources said the toll may go up as many others were battling for life.
Locals from Raniganj and adjoining villages consumed the liquor purchased from a shop in Ramnagar area -- around 60 km northeast of Lucknow -- on Monday night. They were rushed to a community health centre after falling ill in the morning, police said.
Among the deceased are also four members of the same family. Most of the affected individuals hail from Raniganj village in the Ramnagar region of Barabanki district.
The matter came to light after Lekhpal Sadar Badel claimed that he got information about eight people having died in Ramnagar after consuming illicit liquor.