At least 34 people have died in India after consuming toxic alcohol.

At least 34 fatalities have been reported in Tamil Nadu, southern India, due to the consumption of toxic bootleg alcohol, officials confirmed.

The incident occurred in Kallakuruchi district, where numerous residents fell ill after drinking the liquor on Tuesday night.

Currently, around 80 individuals are undergoing treatment in hospitals for severe symptoms such as excessive diarrhea, with authorities warning that the death toll may increase.

Two arrests have been made, and a comprehensive investigation is underway. In response to the incident, authorities have suspended a senior police official and ten members of the state’s prohibition enforcement wing, responsible for monitoring the illegal alcohol trade, citing negligence.

Each year in India, dozens of deaths occur due to consumption of bootleg alcohol from illicit distilleries.

Bootleggers frequently augment their brew with methanol, a highly toxic form of alcohol sometimes used as an industrial solvent, to boost potency.

Even small amounts of methanol ingestion can lead to blindness, liver damage, and death. In Kallakuruchi, it is alleged that the accused distributed the toxic mixture in packets through a local vendor, as reported by The News Minute website.

Source: BBC News