According to a police official, the main accused in a hooch tragedy that claimed at least 13 lives in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi district has been arrested along with a policeman.

Superintendent of Police (City) Vijay Bhushan told reporters in Varanasi, some 250 km from Lucknow," Bhonu, the main accused was nabbed along with a police constable Sunday evening from Nasedar locality."

He further added," During preliminary interrogation, Bhonu has confessed his crime and also told us that he used to bribe policemen on a regular basis to keep the illegal business flourishing."

On the statement given by Bhonu, another police constable with Lalpur police outpost in Varanasi, has also been placed under suspension.

Bhushan said," Bhonu has alleged that he used to pay Rs. 2,000 monthly to police constable Anil Pandey, who has now been placed under suspension."

Last week in Varanasi after consuming spurious liquor at least 13 people of Soyepur, Saidpur and Benipur villages died.

For their laxity in checking the sale and manufacturing of spurious liquor, two policemen, including a station house officer, and four excise officials were also suspended.

After consuming the illicit liquor, at least 12 people are still in hospital.