Bootleg liquor kills at least 18 in northern India

At least 18 people were killed and over a dozen sickened due to consumption of spurious liquor in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, local media reported on Monday.

The bootleg liquor was consumed by people on Thursday evening in Azamgarh district, about 266 km east of Lucknow city, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

"The death toll in the liquor tragedy in Azamgarh district has rose to 18," a local media report quoted an official as saying. "Initially 12 deaths took place, however later on six more deaths were reported."

Local authorities have ordered a probe into the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the police have launched an operation against illicit liquor producers in the district.

Last year 31 people were killed under similar circumstances in Etah district of the state.

In Indian states of Bihar and Gujarat, alcohol is totally prohibited by law.

Spurious alcohol deaths are often reported in India, where people often drink cheap home-made bootleg liquor.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)