Patna: At least three persons died and another fell ill, allegedly after consuming spurious liquor in Arwal district, around 100km southwest of Patna, on Thursday evening.

The incident happened when some labourers were offered liquor by Rasbihari Singh, a landowner, after planting paddy on his farm land at Hansadih village under the jurisdiction of Kaler police station in Arwal district on Thursday evening.

Four labourers - Krishna Paswan, Kishori Chandrawanshi, Ramesh Chandrawanshi and Kali Paswan alias Kaili - complained of vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and giddiness soon after consuming alcohol. A medical practitioner was rushed to provide medical facility to the four, who were sent to Arwal sadar hospital when their condition deteriorated. While Ramesh and Krishna died on way to hospital, Kishori died during treatment.

Kali Paswan was referred to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Friday. The three were said to be residents of Hansadih village and worked as farm labourers at the village.

Arwal superintendent of police (SP) Umashankar Prasad said on Friday that prima facie it appeared that the labourers died from excess consumption of spirit. "Excess dose of spirit led to the incident," he said, adding that a detailed investigation would be conducted to ascertain the cause of death. Arwal sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Shailendra Kumar said the house of Rasbihari Singh, who had called the labourers for paddy plantation and offered liquor thereafter, has been sealed. Singh is absconding.

Residents told the police that Singh had lured labourers in large number for paddy plantation with the promise of liquor. Though over a dozen persons consumed liquor, only four of them fell ill.

The SP said the post-mortem report will reveal the cause of death. "The report is awaited," he told The Telegraph over phone.

The state was declared dry in April 2016. Under the new Prohibition law, manufacture, sale and consumption of liquor is banned in the state.