At least 37 people have died after consuming adulterated alcohol in the northeastern state of Bihar (northeast), authorities announced on Saturday (17).
The sale and consumption of alcohol is banned in many parts of India, creating a thriving underground market with distilleries causing hundreds of deaths each year.
According to the victims’ families, several of the deceased drank a local drink known as “Mahua” or “Desi Daru” during a wedding and other events on Monday.
After taking the liquid, many people complained of stomach aches and vision loss. They also started vomiting.
More than 20 people died on Thursday and about a dozen people were hospitalized on Saturday in critical condition.
“More than 20 people have died in the last 48 hours,” a police officer told AFP.
Local media reported that at least 71 people died, but that number could not be confirmed.
Police have arrested more than 100 people in connection with the illegal production and sale of alcohol in the past three days. Agents also seized 600 liters of brandy.
According to the International Wine and Spirits Association of India, about 40% of the approximately 5 billion liters of alcohol consumed in the country each year is produced illegally.
Secret spirits are often mixed with methanol to increase alcohol levels. Ingestion of this substance can cause blindness, liver damage and death.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.