KATHMANDU, Aug 22: Kuwait has started returning the bodies of 12 Nepalis who died after consuming toxic alcohol in the Islamic state. In total, 23 people died and over 160 were seriously ill after consuming illegal alcohol laced with methanol in Kuwait. Kuwaiti police have arrested four individuals, including two Nepalis, in connection with the production of the illegal alcohol and are investigating them for murder.
Currently, the bodies of five individuals have arrived in Nepal. The Nepali Embassy in Kuwait confirmed that the process of sending the deceased back to Nepal is ongoing.
The alcohol-related incident in Kuwait occurred two weeks ago, claiming the lives of 23 people, including 12 confirmed as Nepalis. Thirteen Nepalis are still receiving treatment in various hospitals. Most of them remain in critical condition, receiving care in ventilators and intensive care units, according to the embassy.
Although the embassy has officially confirmed only 12 deaths so far, members of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) in Kuwait reported that the total number of Nepali who died in Kuwait has reached 16.
Nine Nepali nationals dead after toxic alcohol consumption in K...
NRNA officials stated that some Nepalis who fell ill after consuming alcohol and were discharged from hospitals have begun to be deported. According to officials, certain Nepalis were sent back to Nepal after treatment and necessary investigations.
Similarly, others who get discharged after treatment will be deported following investigations. Kuwaiti media reported that deportation will occur if authorities do not consider the individuals involved in the incident to have committed a serious crime.
Those involved in the production and sale of alcohol will face appropriate legal proceedings after investigation, while those who fell ill after consumption will be deported.
According to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health, 23 migrant workers from different countries, including Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, have died in the incident.
Kuwaiti police arrested four individuals, including two Nepalis, involved in running illegal alcohol production operations. Kuwaiti media reported that these individuals are being investigated on charges of murder for the deaths of 23 people.
Last week, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior launched a security operation following the incident, arresting 67 people involved in methanol production and sale. During the investigation, security forces apprehended a Nepali in the Salmiya area with methanol, and based on his statement, another Nepali was also arrested.
Additionally, one Indian and one Bangladeshi citizen were arrested. The operation also led to the closure of six illegal alcohol factories operating in residential and industrial areas.
Following the incident, Kuwaiti authorities conducted nationwide raids on illegal residences and alcohol production companies, arresting 258 individuals. Those arrested included people with expired residency permits, visa overstays, fugitives, and others for legal violations.
After this incident, a debate has emerged in Kuwait on whether alcohol sales should be legalized. According to Arab Times, discussions have begun on legally permitting alcohol sales in the country.
Proponents argue that legalizing alcohol would reduce illegal production and limit the addition of dangerous chemicals, which could significantly prevent health hazards and fatalities. Opponents, however, emphasize that Kuwait is an Islamic country, and alcohol sales should remain strictly prohibited under any circumstances.
