In a tragic incident, at least 34 people have died and over 100 have been hospitalized after consuming a toxic bootleg alcohol in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
The deadly mix was laced with poisonous methanol, according to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Methanol is a highly toxic form of alcohol sometimes used as an antifreeze, and can cause blindness, liver damage, and death even in small quantities.
Authorities have made arrests in connection with the deaths and warned that such “crimes that ruin society will be suppressed with an iron fist,” according to a statement from Stalin’s office.
Additionally, a senior police official and 10 members of the state’s prohibition enforcement wing have been suspended for negligence in the case. The wing is responsible for overseeing the smuggling of illicit alcohol in Tamil Nadu.
Consuming cheap, illegally produced alcohol is a persistent issue in parts of India. Bootleggers often add methanol to their mixtures to increase the potency, putting consumers at grave risk. Hundreds of people die from such tainted liquor every year across the country.
While Tamil Nadu is not a dry state, the black market alcohol sold there is cheaper than legal liquor. The trade in illicit, potentially deadly moonshine thrives in other dry states as well, highlighting the need for better regulation and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.