At least 10 more people have died in India's western state of Gujarat after having drunk illegal liquor, taking the death toll in the incident to 38, according to state officials
Police launched an investigation and made six arrests after 51 people affected in Monday's incident in the state's adjoining districts of Ahmedabad and Botad were admitted to hospital, in addition to the deaths.
"Some of the hospitalised persons, who were in critical condition, passed away overnight," police official Ashok Kumar Yadav said.
"They had consumed methyl alcohol, which was almost undiluted, believing it to be liquor."
Sales and consumption of alcohol are prohibited in Gujarat — the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi — except by those holding a government permit.
Deaths from illegally produced alcohol — popularly called hooch or country liquor — are common in India, where few drinkers can afford branded spirits.
Industrial methyl alcohol, stolen from a chemical unit, was used to make the spurious liquor, Gujarat's Director-General of Police, Ashish Bhatia told reporters on Tuesday.
"The crime has been cracked in less than 24 hours," he said.
"Cases have been registered and 13 persons have been named, of whom a majority have been rounded up. Further investigation is being carried out."
Methyl alcohol, also known as wood alcohol, is unsafe for human consumption.
It is used in products from paint thinners to fuel, pesticides and anti-freeze, among others.
In Indian states where drinking is allowed, consumption of legal alcohol has surged since the start of the pandemic.
Reuters/ABC
