At least eight people died and nearly 40 others fell ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor mixed with methanol in Gujarat, western India, a local official said on Friday.
The casualties were reported from Bhavnagar, where those who fell ill were admitted to a local hospital for treatment.
Gujarat is a dry state, where the sale and consumption of liquor are strictly prohibited. Those found possessing alcohol can face hefty fines, legal action and imprisonment, reports Xinhua.
Despite the ban, some people reportedly produce illicit liquor for personal consumption, with such practices having caused fatalities in the state in the past.
