Toxic alcohol kills 86 people in India

Not less than 86 people reportedly dead on Saturday, after consuming toxic alcohol in the northern Punjab state.

In a statement issued by the Punjab government, the alcohol poisoning claimed 86 lives in Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Amritsar Rural districts.

The government has suspended several officers following the tragedy.

Another statement issued by Punjab police said they had launched a massive crackdown and 25 people have been arrested so far.

Director General of Police, Punjab – Dinkar Gupta said, “A mafia mastermind, a woman kingpin, a transport owner, a wanted criminal and owners/managers of various Dhabas [roadside restaurants] from where the illicit liquor was being supplied are among the arrested accused.”

He added that “According to the Excise Commissioner, though reports of the chemical analysis of the material seized in yesterday’s raids were yet to come, a superficial check showed that the material was Denatured Spirit, generally used in the paint/hardware industry.”

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered an enquiry into the incident.