At least eight people have died after drinking illicit liquor in Maharashtra's Raigad district, police officials said on Thursday.
The men, from Pali village, about 125 kms south of Mumbai, purchased the liquor on Tuesday from a local pharmacy, Sanjeevni Medicals, the police said.
"After consuming the liquor on Wednesday, six people died on the spot while eight others fell ill and were taken to the Alibaug hospital nearby. Two of them died on Wednesday night," investigating police officer Umar Patil told IANS.
The police have registered a case against pharmacy owner Subhash Oswal and have detained him for interrogation.
The liquor was purchased in advance in view of the 'dry day' on Wednesday marking the 60th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.