In June 2015, at least 102 people died after drinking contaminated alcohol in the Laxmi Nagar slum in Malad, located in Mumbai, India.[1][2][3][4] Another 45 people were hospitalised as a result of the incident.[2][5] The incident has been described as the worst of its kind in over a decade.[6]
Background[edit]
Alcohol poisoning incidents are common in India, where poor people often cannot afford licensed liquor. In 2004, 104 people died after drinking contaminated alcohol in the Mumbai neighbourhood of Vikhroli.[4]
Arrests[edit]
By 22 June 2015, seven people had been arrested, and eight police officers were suspended for negligence, in connection with the incident. The prime suspect, Mainka Bai, a woman, was absconding as of 22 June 2015. The people arrested are believed to have transported the liquor to workers and include two women: Mamta Rathod (aged 30) and Agnes Gracy alias Aunty (aged 50).[6][4][7] Latif Khan was arrested on 23 June for his role in the distribution of the tainted beverages.[2]
Cause[edit]
According to police, the victims suffered methanol poisoning from methanol that had been added to the liquor to increase its potency.[1]
Reaction[edit]
The government of India has announced that it will compensate the families of the victims of the incident with 100,000 rupees, the equivalent of $1,575 in US dollars.[8]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Bengali, Shashank (20 June 2015). "84 dead in India after drinking toxic homemade liquor". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
- ^ a b c "Indian police arrest man for selling moonshine that killed 102". The Irish Times. 24 June 2015. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ "India toxic alcohol kills 84 in Mumbai". BBC News. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ a b c "Toxic alcohol kills scores in India's Mumbai". Al Jazeera. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ "Tainted Liquor Kills 84 in India's Financial Hub of Mumbai". ABC News. 20 June 2015. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ a b Najar, Nida (20 June 2015). "Toxic Liquor in India Kills at Least 84". New York Times. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ "Mumbai Hooch Tragedy: Toll Mounts to 102, Cong Demands CM's Resignation". Outlook. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
- ^ "India alcohol poisoning: Mumbai death toll tops 100". BBC News. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2015.