Officials in India are blaming toxic bootleg liquor for dozens of deaths.
As of Saturday morning, police say as many as 42 people have died in just three days after drinking poisonous liquor, and another 40 are being treated in hospitals — many of which have reportedly lost their eyesight. (Via Al Jazeera)
So far, 32 people have been arrested for illegally brewing and selling the toxic drink to villagers celebrating at a Hindu festival.
Many consumers turn to this harmful home-brewed alcohol because it's relatively cheaper than buying from the shelves. Brewers use harmful chemicals when making the alcohol to increase its potency. (Via Sky News)
And the Hindustan Times reports the illegal liquor trade has been a growing operation.
A liquor trader near where several deaths were reported said “On several instances I have reported to cops and officials of the excise department about brewing of spurious liquor. But nothing was done.”
Several teams of police and administrative officials launched an immediate investigation over fears that the death toll may rise. (Via Deccan Herald)
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