Illicit Liquor Kills Over 100 In West Bengal

By P. Vijian NEW DELHI, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- At least 100 people, mostly labourers, have died in West Bengal since Tuesday, after consuming a potent country-made liquor. Rickshaw pullers, street vendors and daily-waged workers fell victim to the illegal brew in South 24 Parganas district in India's eastern state, reported local media. "Over 200 people drank the spurious liquor within a span of a few hours... those who died experienced cardio-respiratory failure caused by methyl poisoning," district magistrate N. S. Nigam told local newspapers. The cheap liquor, locally termed 'chepti', was sold in pouches at nearly 10 villages, costing five Indian rupees (RM0.34) for a 500ml packet and 10 rupees (RM0.60) for a litre. While a medical team was sent to the impoverished district, authorities fear causalities may rise as dozens are still admitted to local hospitals with severe symptoms. Victims complained of stomach pain, loose motion and vomiting after consuming the toxic liquor, said local doctors. Four alleged bootleggers have been detained to facilitate investigations. This was the second horrific tragedy in West Bengal in just days after 93 people, mostly patients, perished in a private hospital fire. -- BERNAMA Malaysia