The death toll among people who drank moonshine liquor in southern India has risen to 47, while 200 more were battling for their lives, police said Saturday.
A group of people from Natham village in Tamil Nadu state's Kadalur district on Friday consumed the illicit brew which laboratory tests showed was mixed with methanol, police said.
The victims started vomiting and complaining of giddiness. One person died soon after drinking the moonshine, while the others died after being admitted to hospital. Police said more people were likely to die.
More than 30 people have become blind from the liquor, according to doctors at the Cuddalore hospital.
"The complete picture relating to this huge tragedy is yet to unfold as many victims are still probably holed up in their huts in villages, too scared to go to hospitals fearing police action," said the superintendent of police, S. Davidson Devasirvatham.
"I have asked my men to go around the villages to assure them there will be no action taken against them and they must immediately rush to the nearest hospital," he added.
Three alleged sellers of the lethal brew have been arrested.
Last month, at least 17 people died and 30 people were hospitalized in Tamil Nadu after they drank moonshine – Madras (AFP)
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