Buxar: At least five people died and the other three fell ill because they consumed fake liquor in Amsari Village under the Murá police station area in Buxar District on Wednesday night.
However, the district administration said the villagers had consumed “white chemistry”.
Three villagers who fell ill were undergoing treatment at a local hospital where their condition was declared stable.
Senior officials, including Buxar DM Safe Samir, visited Amsari Village on Thursday.
DM said the initial investigation revealed that the five villagers died due to the consumption of white chemicals.
“One of the people who underwent treatment told us that they were given white chemicals for consumption, but it was not a state liquor.
We also found several packages in place, which was being sent for analysis,” DM told MediaPersons after visiting the site.
Buxar SP Neeraj Kumar Singh, however, said it was very unfortunate that so many deaths had occurred because of “Hooch consumption despite drive awareness”.
“Active investigation of all angles and actions will be taken accordingly,” he added.
The body of five victims was sent to Buxar Hospital aware for autopsy.
The police have arrested a villager, Munna Singh, to be interrogated.
Munna is a pool owner and hut, where allegations of liquor parties are held.
The victims were identified as Anand Kumar Singh (40), Bhirung Singh (38), Sukuk Mahahar, Minku Singh (42) and Shivmohan Yadav (50).
Local residents say noniyadera and banjhudera are two famous centers for consumption of hooch in the district.