Patna: Four men died after allegedly consuming alcohol or another intoxicating substance together in Bedhna village under Barh police station in Patna district on Sunday, triggering panic in the area.
The deceased have been identified as Shashi Kumar, 32, Vikas Ram, 40, Pankaj Singh, 45, and Nishu Kumar, all residents of the village.
According to their families, the four men were together in a room where they were allegedly consuming alcohol. Fish had also reportedly been prepared for the meal. Shortly after consuming the intoxicant, their health deteriorated and they collapsed.
All four referred to PMCH
Family members and villagers rushed the men to a private clinic in Barh after they lost consciousness. When their condition failed to improve, they were shifted to the Barh Sub-divisional Hospital.
Three of the men were reportedly in critical condition and were foaming at the mouth when they reached the hospital. The fourth was brought shortly afterwards and was found to be in a similar condition.
After administering first aid, doctors referred all four to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for advanced treatment. However, all four died during treatment.
Medical Officer Dr Shreya Shekhar said villagers informed the hospital that the men had been consuming alcohol or another intoxicating substance together.
Empty liquor bottle found
An empty liquor bottle was reportedly recovered from the room where the men had been consuming the substance.
This has raised suspicion that the deaths may have been linked to spurious or poisonous liquor. However, the exact cause of death has not yet been established.
Police said the cause will become clear only after the post-mortem examinations and investigation reports are received.
Police investigate source of substance
Following the deaths, police reached the village and began examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators are examining the items recovered from the room, including the liquor bottle, and are attempting to determine what substance the four men consumed and where it came from.
The police investigation is continuing, and the circumstances and exact cause of the deaths will be established after the relevant medical and forensic reports are received.
