(BSS) – Four people died at a city hospital after drinking toxic country-made liquor this afternoon at Boyra area in the city.

The deceased were identified as Babu, 50, Sabu, 60, Goutom Kumar Biswas, 47 and Tota, 60.

Besides, another person, Sonu, 58, who was admitted to Khulna Specialized Hospital, is in life support.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Sonadanga Model Police Station, Shafiqul Islam, told BSS this evening that the victims were drinking toxic Bangla liquor from noon at Tota Miar hotel at Boyra Pujakhola Islamia College under Sonadanga Model Police Station.

At one stage, they become sick and fainted. Local People rushed them to Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH), where the duty doctor declared four of them dead. Later, Sonu was taken to Khulna Specialized Hospital where he is in life support.

Quoting the on duty doctor of KMCH, the OC said, the doctor primarily suspected that they were probably drinking handmade local liquor mixed with banned Indian made “elcholy tablets” along with sleeping pills and hydrated lime.

OC , however, said, we have heard that another person, Azibor, 59, died by drinking toxic liquor, but we could not confirm as his body was taken by his family member to his native village, claiming he died in cardiac arrest.

The real cause behind their death would be known after autopsy, the OC said, adding that an investigation has begun into how the deceased collect poisonous liquor and are trying to arrest drug peddlers who are behind selling it.