PATNA, March 13 -- At least five people, including one in police custody, died under "mysterious circumstances" in Bihar's Saran district within 24 hours. The incident is suspected to have been caused by spurious liquor as four victims who lost vision are under treatment at the Sadar Hospital.

Many others are undergoing treatment at private hospitals.

The police said the cause of death will only be ascertained after an autopsy and a proper investigation into so many people suddenly falling sick, however locals insist the tragedy in the Panapur and Masrakh police station areas is due to hooch.

District Magistrate Vaibhav Srivastava and SP Vineet Kumar visited Panapur and Masrakh and ordered thorough investigations into the case.

Police...