NEW DELHI, May 20 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and over a dozen taken ill due to consumption of spurious liquor in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said Sunday.

The liquor was consumed by people at Sichendi area in Kanpur district, about 108 km south of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

"Five people were killed and over a dozen were taken ill after consuming spurious liquor in Sichendi area here," a senior police official posted in Kanpur said. "Yesterday the victims after consuming the liquor started vomiting, following which they were rushed to nearby hospitals."

Authorities fear the death toll may go up owing to the critical condition of some people.

A probe has been initiated into the deaths and local excise inspector has been suspended, officials said.

Last year, 18 people were killed and over a dozen taken ill due to consumption of spurious liquor in state's Azamgarh district.

Spurious alcohol deaths are often reported in India, where people often drink cheap country made bootleg liquor.