Patna, Nov 27 (IANS): A mysterious disease has left 12 people, including three women, dead in Bihar's East Champaran district in the past four days, officials said Wednesday.

East Champaran district magistrate Sridhar C. said all the deaths occurred in Bahurupia and Phulwaria areas of the Sugauli block, and were due to an unknown disease.

"A team of medical experts is examining the cause of the death," Sridhar said.

He said a team of forensic experts from Patna collected samples from the locations where the deaths took place. The samples were of the water and the food the deceased consumed.

"Post-mortem examinations were conducted under supervision of forensic experts. The viscera was preserved for investigation," he said.

The victims complained of vomiting and severe headache, among other symptoms.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi said the deaths were due to drinking moonshine.

But the state government as well as local administration are suppressing the facts, he said.

Sushil Modi is likely to visit Sugauli area to meet the kin of those who have died.