New Delhi  - At least 24 people including 23 women were drowned when an overcrowded boat capsized in India's eastern state of Bihar on Wednesday, police said.

The boat ferrying 28 agricultural workers capsized on a small river in Khagaria district located over 200 kilometres east of state capital Patna.

"As the boat approached the banks, some of the workers jumped from the ferry in a hurry to reach first. This led to a panic and the boat overturned," district police chief Kawal Kishore said by telephone.

"We have recovered 24 bodies from the river. Four others swam to safety and are receiving treatment at the local hospital," he added. (dpa)