KHULNA, July 20, 2025 (BSS) - Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) last night detained a man accused of producing and selling toxic homemade liquor that led to the deaths of five people in the city. 

The accused, Sheikh Moslem Ali (78), was detained early Saturday from his residence on Malek Road in the city's Rayermohol area, KMP Assistant Commissioner (Media) Khondokar Hossain Ahmad confirmed. 

Police said Moslem Ali was known in the area as a homeopathic doctor. However, he was allegedly manufacturing liquor at home using harmful chemical substances.

Earlier on Friday night, Sazzad Mallik (35), a resident of Boyra Rayermohol area, died at Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) while undergoing treatment after consuming the toxic drink. 

Quoting sources, police said Moslem Ali used a mixture of alcohol-based drugs, sedatives, and lime water to produce the liquor. A group of people consumed the concoction at a fish enclosure in Madina Nagar area under Arongghata Police Station.

Shortly after drinking it, several of them fell critically ill and were taken to KMCH and other hospitals. One died on Friday night, and four more passed away the next day.

KMP launched a raid the same night and detained the alleged manufacturer.

Police said investigation into the illegal production and distribution of toxic liquor is ongoing.