Illicit liquor claims 40 lives in Karnataka

Bangalore, May 19: Illicit liquor has claimed more than 40 lives in Karnataka during the last 24 hours. In Kolar District, the death toll rose to 15, including four women, with seven more deaths reported from hospital. Seven people died in Narasipura, while eight succumbed in hospital in Belur and Tyakal Villages last night.

In DJ Halli, on the outskirts of the city, 20 people died after consuming illicit liquor last night. Twenty people were undergoing treatment in Bowring Hospital here and in other hospitals. The condition of ten of them was said to be critical, according to hospital sources.

Following the incidents, Director General and Inspector General of Police R Srikumar has ordered raids on illicit liquor dens through out the State.
Police sources told the sources it was alleged that ethanol was added to illicit liquor. Further investigations were underway. More than ten people were arrested in connection with the incidents.

UNI