Toxic alcohol kills 33 in India

Bootleg liquor is common in some areas of India where local laws restrict alcohol consumption

Police say that residents of a slum area in Mumbai fell ill after consuming the alcohol on Wednesday morning (Getty Images)

At least 35 people have died after consuming toxic alcohol in India.

Local police say that residents of a slum area in Mumbai fell ill after consuming the alcohol on Wednesday morning. It is understood that a further 10 people have been admitted to hospital amid fears that the death toll could rise.

Police deputy commissioner for the area, Dhananjay Kulkarni, earlier confirmed 25 deaths to local media, but the toll has since gone up.

“Crime branch is investigating and three suspects are being held in custody,” he said.

Government officials have called for an inquiry.

Bootleg liquor is common in India where local laws often restrict the consumption of alcohol.

In January, over 200 Uttar Pradesh residents were hospitalised due to suspected toxic alcohol consumption.