Illegal alcohol favored in the slums of India due to the cheap price is believed to be responsible for more than 100 deaths across 10 villages in West Bengal. Health officials say at least 133 people died this week after consuming moonshine sold in 7-fluid-ounce pouches for about 10 cent. More than 170 others became ill.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the moonshine. Police also shutdown a factory they believe brewed the liquor and then sold it to vendors.
Poor villagers often resort to buying moonshine because the cheapest legal alcohol sells for about 70 cents for a 21-fluid-ounce bottle. Moonshine typically contains dangerous chemicals that increase the alcohol content, such as methanol and lye.
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