Why Illicit Liquor Deaths Keep Happening in India?

June 2, 2026

Every few months, the same tragedy repeats in India. Poor people drink cheap illegal liquor to forget their troubles, only to die in pain from poison in the bottle.

Dozens or even hundreds lose their lives. Why does this deadly cycle of hooch tragedies never stop? But what are the reasons behind these recurring deaths.

Let’s Break it down.

Background: What is Illicit Liquor?

Illicit liquor, also called hooch or spurious liquor, is illegal homemade or bootleg alcohol. It is much cheaper than licensed liquor because sellers avoid taxes and government rules. Many poor and daily-wage workers in rural areas and small towns drink it.

The main danger is methanol — a cheap industrial chemical added to increase the “kick”. Methanol is highly toxic and can cause blindness, organ failure, and death.

Why It Keeps Happening: Main Reasons

Poverty and Demand: Millions cannot afford legal alcohol. Hooch costs very little, so demand remains high.
Methanol Mixing: Makers add methanol to make the drink stronger and increase profits. Even small amounts can kill.
Weak Enforcement: Police and excise departments often fail to stop illegal brewing. Corruption and political links protect the trade.
Prohibition Policies: In dry states like Bihar and Gujarat, bans push the business underground. Illegal networks become stronger.
Poor Regulation: Loose control over industrial methanol and weak checks on its sale allow easy access for criminals.

History of Hooch Tragedies

Hooch deaths have been happening for decades. In the past 10-15 years, thousands have died across India. On average, around 1,000 to 1,500 people die every year from spurious liquor. Big tragedies often happen in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Recent Deaths (2022-2026)

Tamil Nadu, June 2024: Over 57-65 people died and more than 200 fell ill in Kallakurichi after drinking methanol-laced hooch. Many were hospitalised with vomiting and stomach pain. Police arrested sellers and took action against officials.
Punjab, May 2025: 21 people died in Amritsar villages after consuming spurious liquor made with methanol. 10 others were seriously ill.
Bihar, March 2026: At least 6-10 people died in East Champaran district after consuming spurious liquor. Several others lost their eyesight and many were hospitalised.
Maharashtra, May 2026: At least 14 people died in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad areas after drinking methanol-laced illicit liquor supplied through an illegal network.

These are just a few examples. Smaller incidents happen regularly but get less attention.

What is Lacking?

Strong and continuous raids on illegal distilleries.
Better monitoring of methanol sales.
Awareness campaigns in villages about the dangers.
Faster medical help and antidotes in rural areas.
Political will to break the politician-police-mafia nexus that protects the hooch business.

Conclusion

Illicit liquor deaths continue because cheap and dangerous hooch fills a demand created by poverty, while weak enforcement fails to stop it. Every tragedy brings promises of strict action, but the cycle repeats. Saving lives needs honest policing, strict punishment for offenders, and real efforts to reduce poverty. Until then, more families will lose loved ones to a bottle of poison. India must break this deadly pattern now.