At least 12 people died and nearly 60 others were admitted to different government hospitals after they allegedly consumed spurious liquor in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, a local police officer confirmed to Xinhua over phone.
The deaths were reported from Tamil Nadu's Kallakurichi district. Most of the victims were said to be laborers belonging to the poor class. Sale of spurious liquor was said to be rampant in the area.
Those critically ill were shifted to hospitals in nearby districts, said the police officer, adding that the death toll is feared to rise.
Following the tragedy, the state government transferred a senior district official, and also suspended a few senior police officers in the area. Special medical teams rushed to the area to ensure a better treatment for those taken ill.
xinhua
