At least four people were killed, and 17 were hospitalised after allegedly consuming moonshine, an illegal liquor, in India.

The police reported that the incident occurred when locals downed the suspected moonshine at a party in Siwan, Bihar, on Tuesday evening, October 15.

Authorities confirmed that locals gathered in a shop and drank late into the evening. After returning home, they complained of vision loss, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Four individuals died during treatment, while two others were taken to the state capital, Patna, due to their critical condition. Fifteen others were taken to the civil hospital.

Siwan District Magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta stated that a team has been sent to investigate.

He said: 'We have received reports of the death of some people at Madhar village. The cause of death is yet to be ascertained.'

In another incident, one person also died, and two others were hospitalised after reportedly consuming toxic liquor in Bihar's Saran district.

Police said the incident occurred in the Ibrahimpur area, with officers arriving on the scene on Wednesday morning.

Last June, at least 25 people were killed, and more than 60 were hospitalised after drinking illegal liquor in Tamil Nadu. The victims reportedly consumed 'packet arrack,' which led police to arrest K. Kannakutti, 49, the suspected seller of the toxic moonshine.