» 12/15/2011 09:51 INDIA Toxic liquor, at least 107 people dead in West Bengal Another 100 are in serious condition. The illegal alcohol laced with methanol and industrial spirit, and can lead to seizures, vomiting and death. Because of its negligible cost (as little as 20 rupees) it is widespread among the poor and day laborers, and one of the leading causes of death among these social groups.
Kolkata (AsiaNews / Agencies) - At least 107 people have died from drinking toxic alcohol in the Indian state of West Bengal, another 100 are in hospital in very critical condition. After the first 48 victims reported yesterday evening in the area of Calcutta, this morning in the district of Parganas a further 50 people have lost their lives. The most serious cases were transferred to Calcutta. Meanwhile, police have impounded four liquor stores held responsible for the sale of tainted products. Cases of death from toxic alcohol are very common among the poor and day laborers, because of the low cost of these drinks.
Called " desi daroo" ("home-made liquor"), the illegal alcohol costs just 10 rupees (about 20 cents US) and are laced with methanol and industrial spirits: substances that can lead to seizures, vomiting and death.
In recent years, India has recorded a number of toxic alcohol poisoning incidents: In February 2010, at least 10 people in Tamil Nadu, about 30 people in Uttar Pradesh, September 2009, more than 100 people in Gujarat, in July 2009.
In fact following the deaths of 2009, last week the state of Gujarat approved a new law that makes the production and sale of toxic liquor illegal and punishable with death. In India only Gujarat, Mizoram and Nagalam have banned the sale of alcohol.
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