India toxic alcohol kills 143 in West Bengal

At least 143 people are now known to have died after consuming toxic alcohol in India's West Bengal state.

Residents of 12 villages in the South 24 Parganas district fell ill after drinking the alcohol. Ten people have been arrested.

Dozens more people are being treated in hospital, with fears the death toll could rise. Many died at home, fearing police would take action against them.

Toxic alcohol deaths are a regular occurrence in India.

Last week, the state of Gujarat brought in a new law making the illegal manufacture and sale of toxic alcohol there punishable by death.    Full Read