Shimla, March 8 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday said due to consumptions of spurious liquors, seven people have died this year and illicit liquor was being sold by valid vendors as well. Replying to a query, Thakur said spurious liquor was not only being sold illegally at dhabas, shops and other establishments with fake label, but also at registered outlets like the Nareti shop near Shahpur police station of Kangra district and Tarakwadi outlet of Hamirpur district. The chief minister said that till February 1, seven people died in the state due to spurious liquor consumption. He said the deceased bought fake liquor from along the National Highway, Salapad, Dhabas and shops located near Mandi. Thakur, who also holds the Home portfolio, said forensic analysis of the seized liquor was being done. A total of 36 people involved in the illegal trade have been arrested so far, of whom 13 were involved in manufacturing. Besides in Hamirpur district, illicit liquor is being manufactured in Gujarhati at Nalagarh of Solan district, he added. Replying to another query of MLA Rajinder Rana of Congress, Thakur said his government is set to implement a ‘Trace and Track system’ for the prevention of spurious and adulterated liquor in the state. The chief minister said the tenders have already been invited by the government and online bids have been received. ML GK ING