Lucknow, Nov 17 (IANS) Five persons died in Ballia town early on Thursday after drinking illicit liquor, the state police said.
Following the deaths, the District Magistrate ordered a magisterial probe into the incident and the police inspector of the area where the tragedy occurred has been suspended.
Those who died have been identified as Sadhu (55), Mohan (55), Ain-ud-din (40), Shambhu (50) and Shiv Kumar (40).
While cremations of three of the deceased were conducted by their family members in a hushed manner, the police have seized the bodies of the other two and an autopsy has been ordered.
District Magistrate Govind Raju N.S. told media persons that a probe will also be conducted by the state excise department, and the Superintendent of Police of Ballia district has suspended inspector Sunil Kumar Singh for apparent dereliction of duty.
