Bootleg booze kills 180 in India

At least 180 people have been killed and scores more are ill in India after drinking bootleg alcohol which was laced with chemicals.

Labourers in the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu bought the illegal liquor which was sold in plastic pouches from illegal shops.

In rural India, poor villagers often buy cheap alcohol, also known as "country liquor", as they cannot afford bottles sold at state-approved shops.

At least 20 dealers have been arrested and 25 state customs officials suspended.

Police have been unable to trace the source of the drinks and an investigation is being held into whether the alcohol was supplied by political parties ahead of May state elections.

Karnataka police chief R Srikumar said: "We cannot say at this stage for sure, but at the same time this cannot be ruled out."

In 1981, more than 300 people died from the sale of illicit liquor in Karnataka.

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