NEW DELHI, July 8 (RIA Novosti) - At least 43 people have died over the past few days after consuming illegally produced toxic drinks in India's Gujarat state, where an alcohol prohibition law is in force, national media reported on Wednesday.
Twenty-nine people have been hospitalized with poisoning, and many are in a critical condition. Most of the victims are slum dwellers, according to police.
Relatives of the victims took to the streets of Ahmedabad on Wednesday demanding that police be punished for allowing illegal businesses to sell tainted alcohol. Demonstrators smashed windows in some areas.
Gujarat police chief Khandavala said six police officers blamed for violations have been suspended pending investigations.
A year ago, over 150 people died in southern India after drinking methanol.
