Death toll from illicit liquor incident in India rises to 74

The death toll in the illicit liquor incident in the Indian financial hub Mumbai increased to 74 Saturday, with eight more people having died of poisoning lately, said local media.

Meanwhile, another 21 victims are still undergoing treatment in various hospitals, and the condition of at least a dozen is said to be critical, Indo-Asian News Service quoted officials as saying.

Eight police officers have been suspended while six people allegedly engaged in the bootlegging trade have been arrested.

The victims were from slums in suburban Mumbai and were employed as low-paying drivers or laborers, who consumed the illicit country liquor at a bar in Rathodi village in suburban Mumbai Wednesday night.

Deadly incidents from consuming illicit liquor take place frequently in India. At least 25 people died after consuming illicitly brewed liquor in villages in the northern state Uttar Pradesh in January.