Death toll from toxic bootleg alcohol nears 100

Toxic bootleg alcohol has killed more than 90 people and left a further 40 fighting for their lives in the Indian city of Mumbai, local reports have revealed.

The authorities expect the death toll to reach 100 and have arrested five people for distributing and selling alcohol in the slum of Malad West, according to reports by the International Business Times.

“More than 40 are being treated in hospital and the death toll may reach 100,” said deputy police commissioner Dhananjay Kulkarni.

Further reports by the Daily News and Analysis suggest eight policemen have been suspended in connection to the illicit alcohol, including Prakash Patil, a senior police commissioner of the Malwani district in Mumbai.

Victims began falling ill from the homemade liquor last Wednesday, which was found to contain high levels of methanol.

The illegal alcohol trade has blighted the spirits industry for decades, with similar incidents resulting in numerous deaths, such as last October when 17 people died from drinking bootleg booze in Pakistan.

In May 2014, two Czech men were handed life sentences for producing poisonous alcohol that killed more than 30 people.