Lucknow, Feb 22 (IANS) One person and a policeman were arrested in connection with a hooch tragedy in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi district that claimed 13 lives, a police official said Monday.

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

'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,' he added.

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

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

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

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

At least 12 people are still in hospital after consuming the illicit liquor.