A tragic incident in Bihar has unfolded, leaving 25 people dead after consuming spurious liquor in two separate incidents on Wednesday. The incidents occurred in Siwan and Saran districts, with 20 deaths reported in Siwan and 5 in Saran. The police have confirmed the arrests of 12 individuals, including three in Saran and nine in Siwan, in connection with the hooch tragedy.
The spurious liquor, identified as industrial spirit, has prompted a comprehensive investigation into the backward and forward linkages of the supply chain. Bihar Director General of Police (DGP), Alok Raj, has assured strict action against all those involved in the illicit liquor trade.
“A total of 25 people have lost their lives so far. 20 in Siwan and 5 deaths in Saran. 12 people have been arrested till now, 3 in Saran and 9 arrests in Siwan,” said DGP Raj. He further emphasized the commitment to holding the culprits accountable, stating, “The information regarding the ‘Sharab mafia’ has been collected from the arrested persons. Strict action will be taken against all those who are involved in this chain. The SPs and DMs of both the districts and DIG Saran reached the spot. From Patna, the Prohibition Department Secretary and SP were sent to the spot… Evidence is being collected and strict action will be taken…“
To ensure a thorough investigation, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed in Saran, where five lives were lost due to the spurious liquor. The incident has also led to the suspension of the beat constable, while the SHO and other police personnel are currently under questioning.
“The spirit is being reported as industrial spirit and we are investigating the backward and forward linkages. The beat police personnel have also been suspended. SHO and other personnel have been questioned. If their answers are found to be unsatisfactory, action will be taken against them,” stated Saran SP Kumar Ashish. The SIT has initiated 250 raids within 24 hours, resulting in the recovery of 1,650 liters of alcohol in the district.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Saran District Magistrate, Aman Samir, has announced a policy requiring the kin of the deceased to take a pledge in favor of the state government’s liquor ban. “Kin of the deceased will have to take a pledge that they are in favor of the liquor ban imposed by the state government and that they are against liquor. If the postmortem report of the deceased confirms that he has died due to illicit liquor, and if the kin of the deceased fulfils the required conditions, ex-gratia of ₹ 4 lakh each will be given to the families…“
The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, with Jan Suraj Party chief Prashant Kishore highlighting the failure of the liquor ban in practice. “The liquor ban is implemented only in government files and in the speeches of leaders. Yesterday’s incident is very sad. More than 70 people died in Chhapra 1.5 years ago. There is no district in Bihar where people have not died due to poisonous liquor. Many incidents have not even been reported… Only corrupt leaders and mafias are benefiting from this…”
In response to the tragic events, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a high-level review meeting, directing officials to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the entire situation. This incident underscores the complexities of enforcing liquor bans and the ongoing struggle against the illicit liquor trade in Bihar.