15 killed after consuming spurious liquor in central India

NEW DELHI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Around 15 people died over the past few days and more than 100 were undergoing medical treatment at government hospitals after consuming suspected spurious liquor in India's central state of Madhya Pradesh, confirmed a government official by phone on Tuesday.

The incident was reported from the Banda area in the state's Sagar district.

According to the official, several among those admitted to hospitals were in a critical condition. All the victims hailed from different villages and lived in close vicinity, he added.

They reportedly showed symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, besides impact on the kidneys, indicating suspected poisoning by methyl alcohol.

Local police said that formal complaints had been lodged against at least 20 people, out of whom 10 had already been arrested. Stern action would be taken against those found guilty, added the police.