7 killed, 22 taken ill after consuming spurious liquor in India

At least seven people were killed and 22 were taken ill after consuming spurious liquor in India's western state of Rajasthan, officials said Wednesday.

The deceased included two border guards of India's Border Security Force (BSF) posted in the area.

The victims had purchased the liquor from a local shop in the frontier district of Barmer, about 538 km west of Jaipur city, the capital of Rajasthan.

"After consuming the liquor, the people complained of chest pain and nausea," an official said. "Though they were immediately rushed to district hospital, of them seven died."

The condition of 22 others admitted in Jodhpur and Barmer hospitals, according to reports, was critical.

India's state-run broadcaster - All India Radio (AIR) said the local authorities have suspended seven officials of police and excise departments in connection with the case.

"The team of excise department has seized seven drums of illicit liquor from a spurious liquor factory in Jhinjhinyali village of Jaiselmer district," the broadcaster said. "It is learnt that spurious liquor was supplied from this factory to the different places in Jodhpur division."

Meanwhile, 11 teams have been deployed to recover illicit liquor across the division.

Reports said samples of the liquor have been sent to the forensic sciences laboratory and efforts were initiated to nab the culprits responsible for the tragedy.

So far, one person has been arrested, officials said.

On Tuesday, local government in India's eastern state of Bihar announced a blanket ban on sale and consumption of all kinds of liquor. The ban was one of incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's promises during last year's local elections in the state. Endit