The state of Bihar, known for its stringent alcohol prohibition, has been rocked by another wave of tragedy stemming from the consumption of spurious liquor. At least four people died, and several others were hospitalized after consuming illicit liquor in Siwan district, while one person died and two others were admitted to hospital in Saran district.
The Siwan incident, which occurred in Madhar village on Tuesday evening, saw victims gather at a local shop and consume liquor before experiencing symptoms such as loss of vision, vomiting, and abdomen aches. While four individuals succumbed to their injuries despite medical attention, two others were transferred to the state capital, Patna, for critical care.
In response to the incident, Siwan District Magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta dispatched a team to investigate the matter. He acknowledged receiving reports of deaths in Madhar village, stating that the cause of death is yet to be determined. Furthermore, disciplinary action has been taken against Bhagwanpur SHO and Prohibition ASI of Bhagwanpur police station.
In a separate incident in Saran district’s Ibrahimpur area, one individual died and two others were hospitalized after consuming suspected spurious liquor. Saran police, responding to reports of a suspected hooch death, reached the scene on Wednesday morning and are conducting an investigation. The two individuals receiving treatment remain under observation.
The tragedy highlights the ongoing struggle in Bihar to enforce the alcohol ban implemented by the Nitish Kumar government in April 2016. Despite the ban, illicit liquor continues to find its way into the state, resulting in numerous deaths and severe health consequences for those who consume it. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of consuming adulterated alcohol and the challenges faced by authorities in curbing its production and sale.
The Bihar government has admitted that more than 150 people have died due to illicit liquor consumption since the state went dry in 2016. While the government continues to enforce the ban, the tragedies continue to unfold, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the prohibition policy and its impact on public health and safety.