The toll in Azamgarh spurious liquor case rose to 18 on Saturday, with a dozen people battling for their lives in different hospitals, ANI reported. However, the Azamgarh district administration has confirmed only 11 deaths so far, of which nine were traced to the consumption of illicit liquor, reported The New Indian Express. The district administration on Saturday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter, reported The Times of India.

“So far, we have information of 11 deaths out of which two persons died due to illness in their houses,” Azamgarh District Magistrate Chandrabhushan Singh told the The Times of India. Singh said that a magisterial investigation has been ordered and an assessment process for compensation has been started.

Azamgarh Superintendent of Police AK Sahni said three police personnel, including Raunapar Station Officer, have been suspended. Four different cases have been registered against five people, he added, and six excise department personnel were suspended. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath has ordered strict action against the guilty.

Over 30 persons involved in the illicit trade are currently being investigated. Five out of the 30 have been booked for manufacture and supply of spurious liquor under different sections of the Indian Penal Code, according to The New Indian Express.

On Friday, seven deaths had been reported from Kewatahiya, Rassolpur and Odhra Salempur villages, which come under the jurisdiction of Raunapur police station. Over half a dozen people were taken ill ill and sent to different hospitals. Hours later, two others had died. Six people had lost their lives on Saturday.