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17 die from alcohol poisoning in Pakistan: police

Pakistani customs officials prepare to crush bottles of liquor during a ceremony on the occasion of International Customs Day in Lahore on January 26, 2016.
Pakistani customs officials prepare to crush bottles of liquor during a ceremony on the occasion of International Customs Day in Lahore on January 26, 2016. ARIF ALI/AFP/Getty Images

ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani police officer says at least 17 Hindus have died after consuming illegally-made alcohol during religious celebrations in southern Pakistan.

Niaz Shah said Tuesday that 37 people from the Hindu community in Tando Muhammad Khan district were rushed to hospital on Monday.

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He says they consumed the hooch during preparations for Holi celebrations, which will begin Wednesday.

Shah says 11 people have since been discharged, but nine remain in a critical condition in hospital. He says four people have been arrested over brewing the illegal drink.

With the exception of a few licensed shops permitted to sell alcohol to non-Muslims, it is against the law to drink or sell alcoholic drinks in Pakistan. Numerous incidents of mass poisonings from homemade alcohol have been reported in the past.

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