Seven people die 'after drinking contaminated water'

Seven people have died in the Indian area of Hyderabad after drinking water contaminated with sewage, it has been claimed.

The Times of India reports that the water contamination was due to a leak in the drinking water pipeline. Complaints were logged months ago by the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, but no action was taken, it adds.

Locals told the newspaper that the water appeared to be clouded and dirty as far back as last August.

However, executive director of the water board Harsha Vardhan put the problem down to the operations of local tanneries.

Mr Vardhan explained: "Several residents dug up pits near their water taps and wash[ed] untanned leather in the pits. After [the] water supply stops, the polluted water gets into the pipelines causing water-borne diseases."

Meanwhile, Express Buzz reports that the prevalence of swine flu in the area has been ruled out, according to greater Hyderabad municipal corporation commissioner and special officer, S P Singh.