Tainted liquor kills 8 in eastern India

Source: CNN

NEW DELHI, India (CNN) -- At least eight villagers have died and about 45 more have been hospitalized after drinking illegally-brewed liquor in eastern India, officials said Tuesday.

Officials believe the brew made from molasses was contaminated with toxic methanol, or wood alcohol, said Choten Lama, a district magistrate in the state of West Bengal.

The liquor was sold from a home in East Midnapore, a predominantly rural district in West Bengal, she said.

Authorities launched an overnight crackdown on alleged illegal brewers, arresting at least 21 suspects, according to Lama, who said a local hospital is overflowing with intoxicated men seeking medical treatment after Monday's liquor-related deaths.


Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/05/05/india.moonshine/

.. but this isn't an un-common situation in India.

Esp. with the elections round the corner, there has been an huge increase in liquor sale in India - both legal & illegal ..

Near McKeesport?