At least five people have died and eight others taken ill after consuming spurious liquor in a West Bengal village, a minister said on Thursday.
The incident happened in Ramgopalpur village in South 24-Parganas district.
"So far five people have died, including one of them today (Thursday). Eight others admitted to a hospital in Diamond Harbour are now stable," Sundarbans Affairs Minister Manturam Pakhira said after visiting families of the victims.
Four people had died on Tuesday, two of them on the spot after consuming the liquor.
While two people have been arrested in this connection, Pakhira said the prime accused, Phulchand Sardar - the man who controls the hooch trade in the area - was missing and on the run.
"Police are hunting for Sardar, he will be arrested soon," added Pakhira.
