By IANS
Kathmandu : At least 12 people died and nearly a dozen were taken ill after drinking country-made liquor in a border town in Nepal, known as a prime destination for pilgrims.
Tragedy struck Janakpur in southern Nepal’s Dhanusha district, famed on both sides of the border for its Janaki temple, where devotees annually celebrate the wedding of Hindu Lord Ram and Sita.
Ten people, including women, died after drinking hooch Thursday. By Saturday, the toll had risen to 12.
Though alcohol is not prohibited in Nepal and a wide range of spirits is available, poverty makes villagers turn to brewing liquor at home, during which little attention is paid to the safety aspects.
In the recent past, 16 people had died in the same district after drinking hooch, Nepal’s official media said.