India, Aug. 31 -- Bihar Prohibition Excise and Registration department minister Madan Sahni on Monday said that the hooch deaths in Bihta near Patna a day ago might have been caused by consumption of IMFL laced with some poisonous substance.

At least four people died after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in the Barh area of the state capital on Sunday. The sale and consumption of alcohol is banned in Bihar since April 2016.

Talking to PTI, Sahni claimed that the deaths had taken place 'very soon' after consumption of liquor and a bottle of a popular brand was found at the site.

"Had the deaths been caused by spurious liquor, it would have taken some time, and the fatalities would have been preceded by symptoms like loss of vision,"...