In the Indian state of Bahir, the production and sale of alcohol is prohibited. This can have deadly consequences, especially for the poorest.
The sale of alcohol is banned in the Indian state of Bahir. Pictured is a bar in Gujarat.
(dpa) At least 38 people have died in India after drinking adulterated liquor. The first victims came to hospitals in the eastern state of Bihar on Tuesday with stomach cramps, vomiting and blurred vision, local authorities said on Thursday. Some of the patients have gone blind. About a dozen suspects have been arrested for illegally manufacturing alcohol, a police spokesman said. In addition, two allegedly involved police officers were suspended.
In Bihar, the consumption, sale and production of alcoholic beverages have been banned since 2016. In India, hundreds of mostly poor people die every year because they drink adulterated liquor. This is cheaper than commercially made ones, but often contains methanol or other substances that can cause severe poisoning.