India: Dozens Die After Drinking Toxic Alcohol
MUMBAI, June 19 (UPI) — Forty-one people have died and several others have been hospitalized after consuming toxic alcohol in India’s western city of Mumbai.
Investigators said the death toll may rise, in what is being called one of the worst incidents of alcohol poisoning in the country. Three men, ages 30, 47 and 50, were charged with culpable homicide in connection to the case. Two others were being questioned Friday.
“The number of deaths is now 41. Another 25 victims are still undergoing treatment in various hospitals. Medical condition of at least 12 is critical,” police spokesperson Dhananjay Kulkarni said.
The incident began unfolding Wednesday when several people in a slum area of Mumbai were rushed to the hospital with severe stomach and chest pains. Investigators suspect the alcohol was laced with methanol, which is toxic.
Bootleg liquor is common in India, where alcohol consumption is severely restricted. In January, more than 200 Pradesh residents were sickened from suspected toxic alcohol.
