NEW DELHI, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the suspected toxic liquor consumption in the northern Indian state of Haryana has risen to 19, local media reported on Saturday.
"At least 19 people have died in Haryana after consuming suspected poisonous liquor," local TV news channel NDTV said.
The victims also include two migrant laborers from Uttar Pradesh, who also consumed the liquor.
The deaths were reported on Wednesday at two villages of Mandebari and Panjeta Ka Majra in Yamunanagar district, about 103 km southeast of Chandigarh, the capital city of Haryana.
According to the news channel, further deaths were reported from the Saran village of Yamunanagar and Phoosgarh village in the neighboring Ambala district.
Police have registered a case and conducted raids to arrest suspects. So far seven people have been detained.
Reports said police confiscated 200 crates of counterfeit liquor made in an abandoned factory in Ambala and supplied to suspects in Yamunanagar.
"The police also seized 14 empty drums and the materials used to make the illicit liquor. Police are investigating the accused's manufacturing timeline and accomplices," NDTV said.
Spurious alcohol deaths are occasionally reported in India, where people often drink cheap country-made bootleg liquor. ■
