New Year revelry claimed 13 lives in central Indian state Jharkhand, Indo-Asian News Service reported Tuesday.

 

Most deaths were from drunken and reckless driving, the local police said.

 

The highest number of deaths took place in the state capital Ranchi where eight people lost their lives. In cities of Jamshedpur and Koderma, four deaths were reported.

 

At least 23 people sustained injuries, the police said.

 

"Most of the victims were youths and they were all drunk. Of those injured, six are in critical condition," a police official said.

 

Liquor seems to be a must for Indians to celebrate New Year. In south Indian state Kerala, the sale of alcohol reached a record 145 million rupees (US$3.22 million) on Dec. 31.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 2, 2007)