Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that his government will give Rs 4 lakh to the families of the Gopalganj tragedy victims if allegations that the people died from consuming spurious alcohol are confirmed. Kumar said, "We are concerned about the Gopalganj tragedy victims and strict action will be taken against the people responsible for this."

Police said at least 13 people died on Tuesday after drinking toxic liquor and that five others are in critical condition at a government hospital. According to the families, the victims had complained of uneasiness and breathlessness, followed by stomach pain and vomiting, after they consumed local alcohol.

The incident has sparked alarm in the state where liquor has been banned since March this year as part of an election promise by Nitish Kumar. Rahul Kumar, Gopalganj district magistrate, constituted a three-member team and ordered a probe into the incident.