Patna: The deaths of four men in Bedhna village under Barh police station area, initially suspected to be linked to spurious liquor, took a new turn after an arrested accused allegedly told police that poison had been mixed with liquor served to the victims.Four accused have been arrested, while police are awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports to verify the claim.Rural SP Kundan Kumar told mediapersons on Tuesday night that accused Lali Kumar allegedly confessed during interrogation to procuring poison from a local market and mixing it with liquor before inviting the four men to a fish party. All four fell ill after consuming the liquor and later died.Police suspect Nishu Kumar, one of the victims, was the primary target. Lali allegedly told investigators he had a longstanding dispute with Nishu over his alleged relationship with Lali’s sister. The dispute had continued for around two-and-a-half years.According to the SP, Lali claimed the other men had frequently taunted him over the relationship. Investigators suspect the rivalry may have led to the alleged poisoning, with the other three victims also consuming the liquor.A 15-member SIT, comprising the Barh SDPO, Barh SHO and officers from Mokama, Pandarak, Salimpur and other police stations, is investigating the case.Kundan said police made a breakthrough within around 48 hours and were verifying the accused’s claims through forensic and post-mortem reports to establish the cause of death and the precise role of each accused.
