Thirteen labourers, including a woman, died in Patiala, Punjab, after consuming spurious liquor, officials said on Thursday.

Three persons were arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred on Wednesday night in Dhiro Ka Majri area, Patiala police chief Paramjit Singh Umranangal said.

Nine of the victims, in their thirties and forties, died in their houses hours after consuming the brew and the rest in a hospital.

Umranangal said police was on the look out for the shopkeeper from whom the victims had allegedly purchased the spirit.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh directed the administration to inquire into the incident and bring the culprits to book.