At least 19 people died in Odisha and more than a dozen others were battling for life after consuming medicines as a substitute for liquor, officials said Wednesday.

The victims from Cuttack and its adjoining Khordha districts fell ill after consuming the cough and cold syrup they had bought from a man at Tukuliapada village in Cuttack district Monday. Baidhar Bhoi, the seller, too died Tuesday.