The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Spurious Liquor

  • Bihar Hooch Tragedy: 10 More Die After Consuming Spurious Liquor, Death Toll Rises To 35 |

    Ten more people have died after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in Bihar’s Siwan and Saran districts, raising the death toll to 35, according to officials. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Nilesh Kumar, confirmed that 28 deaths were reported in Siwan, while seven fatalities occurred in Saran. Victims in Siwan were primarily from the Maghar and Auriya panchayats, while those in Saran were from Ibrahimpur village under the Mashrakh police station’s jurisdiction.

    More Victims Fighting for Their Lives

    Several people are still in critical condition across various hospitals in Siwan, Saran, and Patna. Though locals claim the victims consumed illicit liquor, the exact cause of death will be determined after post-mortem examinations. The identities of the deceased and those receiving treatment have not yet been disclosed by officials.

    Special Investigating Teams Formed

    In response to the tragedy, Director General of Police Alok Raj announced that two Special Investigating Teams (SITs) have been set up. One team, operating at the local level, will focus on the criminal aspects of the incident, while another team from the Department of Prohibition will study similar cases across the state to devise a strategy to prevent future occurrences. So far, 15 individuals have been arrested in connection with the tragedy, and three chowkidars from the affected areas have been suspended.

    Government and Political Reactions

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed the state’s police chief to closely monitor the investigation and ensure strict action against those responsible. He has also tasked top officials from the Department of Prohibition and Excise to visit the affected areas for a thorough inquiry.

    Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav, of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has criticized the Nitish Kumar-led government, accusing it of institutional corruption. In a post on X, he labeled the incident as a “mass murder” and questioned the efficacy of the liquor ban, which was imposed more than eight years ago.

    Political Blame Game Intensifies

    The tragedy has sparked a political war of words, with opposition parties criticizing the liquor ban’s enforcement. Tejashwi Yadav has accused the state government of allowing a black market for illegal liquor to thrive, claiming that the nexus between politicians, police, and the liquor mafia has resulted in a flourishing illegal trade worth over ₹30,000 crore. 

    Yadav also pointed to government data, which suggests that more than 300 people have died due to spurious liquor consumption since the ban was implemented.

    BJP Defends Liquor Ban

    Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal defended the state’s prohibition policy, calling it essential for reducing crime, particularly against women. He condemned those calling for the ban’s removal, accusing them of having ties to the liquor mafia. Jaiswal reassured the public that those responsible for the latest deaths would be brought to justice and reiterated the state’s commitment to maintaining the liquor ban for the safety and well-being of its citizens.

    Suspension of Police Officers

    As part of the response, show-cause notices have been issued to five police personnel, and senior police officers have been directed to personally oversee the investigation. The government aims to tighten enforcement of the prohibition policy and prevent future incidents of illicit liquor consumption.

    With Inputs From PTI

  • Spurious Liquor Claims 20 Lives In Bihar’s Siwan, 4 More Dead In Chapra |

    20 people have lost their lives in Siwan on Thursday after consuming spurious liquor, as per Siwan SP Amitesh Kumar. Chapra Superintendent Kumar Ashish said that a Special Investigation Team has been formed. Three people have been arrested and an FIR has been filed against eight people.

    Additionally, the local Chowkidar and Panchayat Beat Police officers have also been suspended. An explanation has been sought from the SHO of the Masrak Police station and the Masrak Zone ALTF in charge of the departmental action.

    Legal action is being taken against the Bhagwanpur SHO and Prohibition ASI of the Bhagwanpur Police Station, as per the District Magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta. In another incident four people lost their lives after consuming spurious liquor in Saran district. We have formed SIT and lodged an FIR against 8 people, Three people have already been arrested: Chhapra SP, Kumar Ashish

    Speaking to ANI a relative of one of the deceased said that his relative’s health deteriorated after he had consumed alcohol on October 15. “He had consumed alcohol on October 15 and his health started deteriorating yesterday evening. He could not see anything, we brought him here to the hospital after that,” said a relative.

    Further investigation into both the cases is underway. Meanwhile, the opposition RJD has launched an attack into the Nitish Kumar government questioning how the spurious liquor was made available while there was prohibtion in the state.

    “People have lost their lives by drinking spurious liquor. It is very sad and a matter of concern that despite the liquor ban law being in force in Bihar, spurious liquor is available. Every time during Holi and Diwali, it is seen how people die due to spurious liquor.

    NDA government is directly responsible for this. The liquor mafias have the protection of the government and as long as they have the protection of the government, the prohibition law will be violated in the same way. This NDA government is not concerned about this. How is spurious liquor available in this way when the liquor ban law is in force?” RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said.