Eighteen more people lost their lives after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in dry Bihar's Siwan and Saran districts, taking the toll in the tragedy to 24, officials said on Thursday.

In a tragic incident in Siwan, Bihar, at least 20 individuals have lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor, highlighting the ongoing issues surrounding illegal alcohol production in the region.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each would be provided to the families of those who died in the incident with a condition.

Defending the state government, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain noted that a "complete and strict" ban on liquor has been imposed in Bihar."Whoever is involved in this, will not be spared. CM Nitish Kumar is very strict about it,

In Siwan and Saran districts, 24 people have died after consuming spurious liquor. Authorities have made arrests and initiated investigations, as political leaders criticize the government for failing to enforce the prohibition.

The death toll in the Bihar hooch tragedy rose to 25 on Thursday, with more fatalities expected, said officials.

Twenty people have died in Siwan after consuming toxic alcohol, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team. Arrests have been made and criticism levied against the government for failing to enforce prohibition laws.

Bihar police on Thursday said a total of 25 people have lost their lives so far due to the consumption of spurious liquor in two separate incidents in Sivan and Saran on Wednesday, adding that 12 people had been arrested for their role in the hooch tragedy.

Over 20 people lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor in Siwan district of Bihar. 4 people died in similar incident in Chapra district on October 17. SIT has been formed and an FIR has been lodged against 8 people: Chapra SP Kumar Ashish.

As many as 20 people died after consuming spurious liquor in Bihar's Siwan district. An SIT has been formed to probe the incident.