The death toll in the tainted liquor tragedy in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has risen to 51, local media reported on Friday.

Since Wednesday, more than 150 people, suffering from vomiting, stomach aches and diarrhea, have needed treatment after drinking methanol-mixed liquor made in the Kallakurichi district, about 250 kilometers from the state capital Chennai.

Four people have been arrested over illicit liquor sales and police have seized 200 liters of the alcoholic drink, the state government said on Thursday, adding that it had taken disciplinary action against 10 officials for failing to prevent it.

Deaths from illegally produced alcohol, known locally as "hooch" or "country liquor," are a regular occurrence in India, where many cannot afford branded spirits, even as the public and activists call for a crackdown on the sellers.

(With input from Reuters)