Patna, Apr 15 (IANS): The family of Renu Kumari, excise department superintendent of Jehanabad district in Bihar, who was found dead in mysterious circumstances, Monday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into her death.

Shocked members of the Excise Officials' Federation also joined the family in making the demand for a CBI probe.

Four days ago, Renu Kumari, 33, was found hanging from a hook in her rented house in Jehanabad, about 50 km from here.

"We have demanded a CBI probe because my wife used to receive threats from some powerful people, including the liquor mafia, for her operations against them. She had informed the district administration about it," Renu's husband Vaibhav Kumar Singh said.

Singh, also a government servant posted in neighbouring Jharkhand, told IANS that he was confident a CBI probe would expose the truth behind the death. He claimed police had registered a case of unnatural death without making proper investigations.

"We have demanded a second autopsy, but police have refused that," he said.

Singh said he had lodged a case of murder under Section 302 of IPC against two people, who threatened his wife after she acted against the liquor mafia.

"Renu had apprehended a threat to her life from the liquor mafia in the district and told me about her feeling of insecurity," he said.

The Excise Officials' Federation has said that the police-liquor mafia nexus was behind the murder.

"The district police probe is not enough to bring out the truth. Only a CBI probe could ensure justice," a member of the federation said.

A group of more than 50 excise officers met the woman officer's family and promised their support in the fight for justice.

Jehanabad Superintendent of Police Sayali Dhurat said the preliminary inquiry pointed to suicide, and added that investigations would reveal the true cause of death.