44 die of consuming toxic liquor in South Pakistan

Four people died at a hospital in Pakistan's south Hyderabad district where they were shifted after consuming toxic liquor, on Wednesday, bringing the death toll to 44 over the last three days, local media reported.

Samaa said that most of the victims were from minority Hindu community who bought home-brewed alcohol from a local drug dealer to celebrate their religious festival in the Tando Muhammad Khan, a less-developed district located near Hyderabad in the country's south Sindh province.

Police said that over 100 people were shifted to hospital after consuming the toxic drink on Monday, out of which 44 including three women died and over 50 others are still being treated.

The cops also arrested for people in connection with the incident and confiscated 65,000 liters of liquor over the last two days.

Relatives of the victims and other residents took to streets to protest against police for failing to put a check on the sale of the toxic liquor.

They also blocked the main highway, disrupting the road traffic.

Chief Minister Sindh province, Syed Qaim Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a report from the concerned officials.

This is the second incident of the killing of a large number of people due to alcohol consumption in the area.

Earlier in 2014, a total of 29 people were killed after consuming toxic liquor in Hyderabad.

Alcohol consumption and sale is banned in Pakistan for Muslims, but non-Muslims are allowed to buy liquor from licensed shops. Enditem