The figure is based on reports from three hospitals in the eastern part of the state, Assam. Deaths from illegally-produced alcohol, known locally as "hooch" or "country liquor," are a regular occurrence in India, where many cannot afford branded spirits. In Assam, bootleg liquor production and consumption is usually found in and around the state's tea plantations where it is consumed by poorly-paid labourers. But the main ingredient used in the country liquor was supplied by one person from a nearby area, he said. "Close to about 1,500 people must have consumed that lot of spurious liquor on Thursday that led to the deaths of 150," Saikia told Reuters.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 24, 2019 09:33 UTC