Death toll in India spurious liquor consumption reaches to 31

The death toll due to consumption of spurious liquor in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has reached up to 31, and 50 others taken ill were undergoing treatment, officials said Monday.

The country-made bootleg liquor was consumed by people on Friday evening at Etah district, about 287 km from Lucknow city, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

"The Etah hooch tragedy has so far claimed 31 lives," an official said. "Of the deceased, 27 have lost lives in Etah, whereas four died in Farrukhabad in the same incident."

According to officials, 50 persons were undergoing treatment at different hospitals in Etah, Etawah, Agra and Farrukhabad districts.

Authorities fear the toll would increase as at least 10 people admitted in the hospitals were stated to be critical.

Reports said several people who had consumed the hooch have lost their eyesight partially or completely.

The state's Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced suspension of several police officers and district excise officers, following the incident.

Police officials have arrested main accused and others in the case. Meanwhile, the local government has initiated a drive against illicit liquor across Uttar Pradesh and seized huge quantity of hooch.

In Indian states of Bihar and Gujarat, alcohol is totally prohibited by law.

Spurious alcohol deaths are often reported in India, where people often drink cheap country-made bootleg liquor. Endit