Several people were killed and others were battling for their lives after consuming hooch in East Champaran district, in yet another instance of deaths caused by spurious liquor in Bihar where prohibition is in place for seven years now.

The full extent of the latest incident is still not clear as many of those who fell ill could be hiding or were being clandestinely treated due to the fear of the harsh provisions of the prohibition law.

The district administration put the death toll tentatively at 14.

The deaths started to come to light on Friday in Turkaulia, Paharpur, Sugauli and Harsiddhi blocks of the district, indicating that a large number of people had consumed hooch in a wide swath of area.

“The post-mortem reports of three of the deceased have confirmed that they died after consuming liquor. There are 11 other deaths in which the families have hurriedly cremated the bodies. We are enquiring with their kin,” East Champaran superintendent of police Kantesh Kumar Mishra told The Telegraph.

“Around 10 others are undergoing treatment in hospitals. We are conducting a door-to-door health survey in the affected area to ensure that those who have fallen ill get proper treatment instead of hiding in their homes or elsewhere. Announcements are also being made on the public address system,” Mishra added.

The SP said the police had arrested 10 persons for allegedly selling hooch and a forensic team had been engaged to investigate the incident. Action against local chowkidars (village guards) and police personnel was being considered.

Mishra said the preliminary investigation suggested that the victims had consumed liquor that was available in pouches.