Sasaram: The local police and the excise department have launched an investigation following reports of at least seven deaths under suspicious circumstances at Mathiya village under Bikramganj subdivision in Rohtas district in the past 48 hours, amid claims of suspected liquor consumption. A team from the excise department, along with district administration officials, reached the village to conduct an on-ground inquiry.According to sources, a “tilak” ceremony was organised on Feb 14 at the residence of one Poojan Singh for his son. A day after the function, another son of Poojan, Lallu Singh, fell ill and died suddenly on Feb 16, triggering concern among villagers.Speculation soon spread in the village linking the deaths to alleged consumption of liquor. Four relatives of Poojan who had come from Nasriganj to attend the ceremony died within three days. However, police said there is no official confirmation regarding the cause of these deaths.The matter gained attention after discussions surfaced on social media, prompting the excise department and local administration to initiate a formal inquiry. Assistant excise commissioner Tariq Mahmood said officials have spoken with family members and preliminary information suggests that one of the deaths may have been due to a dog bite. He added that all possible angles are being examined and the exact cause will be determined only after a thorough investigation.There are also unverified reports that two cooks from Akodhigola, who had attended the ceremony, died after returning home, though no official confirmation has been made.Rohtas SP Roshan Kumar said the matter was under investigation and details would be shared only after the inquiry team submits its report.
