Patna: Villagers and families of four men who died after allegedly consuming liquor at a party in Bedhna village under Barh subdivision have demanded a CBI probe, saying they have lost faith in the police-formed Special Investigation Team (SIT).The demand follows after the police said the deaths were part of an alleged murder conspiracy linked to a love affair. Police said accused Lali Kumar allegedly mixed poison in liquor following a dispute involving deceased Nishu Kumar and Lali’s sister. Lali and potato-onion trader Rudal have been arrested, while a minor has also been detained.The families and villagers, however, have rejected the theory, claiming the alleged love-affair angle is baseless and has tarnished the village’s reputation. They said the woman referred to in the police account is the deceased’s aunt and had married in May.Raju Singh, father of one of the deceased, alleged police showed him a video and spoke to Lali in custody before preparing the FIR application based on his statement.Villagers also questioned Rural SP Kundan Kumar’s transfer. The deaths occurred on Aug 30. Forensic tests are expected to establish the nature of the substance allegedly mixed with the liquor.
