Moonshine Liquor Kills at Least 150 People in India
A woman at a hospital in Diamond Harbor, India, reacts to the death of a relative who died after consuming tainted illicit alcohol. (Rupak De Chowdhuri, Reuters / December 15, 2011)At least 150 people died within 48 hours of drinking tainted home brew alcohol known locally as chepti (moonshine) which was laced with methanol in the state of West Bengal, India.
Used as a fuel, solvent or antifreeze, methanol is highly toxic, and ingesting it can lead to blindness or death.
The death toll is expected to rise even due to the fact that dozens of patients remained in critical condition in area hospitals.
Officials now ordered a criminal investigation while the government promised to give $4,000 to each victim's family and arrested seven people on suspicion of selling the liquor, although those who manufactured it were reportedly on the run.
Moonshine, or hte so-called country liquor, often sold in plastic bags for as little as 20 cents per 16 ounces, is widespread in Indian cities and rural areas.
Used as a fuel, solvent or antifreeze, methanol is highly toxic, and ingesting it can lead to blindness or death.
The death toll is expected to rise even due to the fact that dozens of patients remained in critical condition in area hospitals.
Officials now ordered a criminal investigation while the government promised to give $4,000 to each victim's family and arrested seven people on suspicion of selling the liquor, although those who manufactured it were reportedly on the run.
Moonshine, or hte so-called country liquor, often sold in plastic bags for as little as 20 cents per 16 ounces, is widespread in Indian cities and rural areas.
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