Kolkata, May 5 (Inditop) The toll in the hooch tragedy in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district has risen to eight while 23 others are battling for their life in hospitals, police said Tuesday.

“These eight people died either in the Tamluk hospital or in Kolkata’s S.S.K.M. Hospital,” state Inspector General of Police (law and order) Raj Kanojia told IANS.

The people died after consuming country-made liquor near Ramtarak Market of Mecheda in the Matangini block of the district Monday.

Some television channels put the toll at 20, but Kanojia said: “There is no confirmation with us. And I think it is based on hearsay”.

Several people have been admitted to the S.S.K.M. Hospital here.

The state government set up a one-man committee to investigate the tragedy.