Kerala hooch death toll rises to 19

Malappuram (Kerala), Sep 7 (ANI): The death toll in the twin hooch tragedy in Kerala's Malappuram district has risen to 19.

The death toll is likely to go up as more people who had consumed the killer brew.

A preliminary examination of samples taken from two toddy shops shows the presence of methanol in the toddy.

Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had said murder charges would be framed against the culprits if investigations proved that the deaths were caused by hooch.

Meanwhile, excise officials have sealed some toddy shops in the Perassanoor and Kuttipuram areas. (ANI)