In Bihar, at least eight people died and 22 others fell ill due to consumption of suspected spurious liquor in Siwan and Saran districts. According to official sources four deaths each occurred in Siwan and Saran district. The deceased were residents of different villages under Bhagwanpur Haat and Mashrakh police station area.   

Police teams have been reached in affected areas and they are investigating the matter. A team of Prohibition and Excise department is also visiting the villages from where the local residents have consumed suspected spurious liquor.  

The District Administration has said that the exact cause of the death can be ascertained after the receipt of the post-mortem report. These deaths have been reported yesterday and police officials have visited the affected area. The death toll in the incident is expected to further increase as several bodies of the victims have been disposed by their relatives without prior information to the police. The whole area in Mashrakh and Bhagwanpur Haat is very sensitive as earlier several hooch tragedies have taken place in the past.

Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar today reviewed the situation in Siwan and Saran districts, where eight deaths occurred due to suspected hooch tragedy. He asked the secretary of the Prohibition and Excise department to visit the affected area. Mr. Kumar ordered for a detailed inquiry of the incident and take stern action against culprits.