At least six people have died and 10 others were reported to be in critical condition in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada after they consumed illicit liquor at a bar before heading to work on Monday.
The incident took place in Suryalanka area of Vijayawada, where at least 25 labourers consumed the liquor.
The locals informed the Vijayawada police after the daily wage workers started falling sick on their way to work. While four died instantly, two others succumbed on their way to a government hospital.
"Four died initially and two died on way to hospital," The Indian Express quoted Excise Minister K Ravindra as saying.
Some of the victims are said to be in critical condition. "Some are serious. The team of doctors is doing their best to contain the damage," Vijayawada Police Commissioner Gautam Sawang, according to PTI report.
Excise minister Ravindra said that an inquiry has been initiated into the incident and they suspect that spurious alcohol was added to the liquor that the labourers consumed.
The police have collected the samples of the liquor for examination and sealed the bar under investigation.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed the Vijayawada District Collector Babu A to submit a report on the inquiry into the incident. He has also directed the officials to provide medical assistance to the patients.
