Spurious Liquor Deaths in Bihar: A Growing Concern Amid Alcohol Ban

At least four people have died, and several others were hospitalized after consuming spurious liquor in Siwan, Bihar

The incident took place in Madhar village, under the jurisdiction of Bhagwanpur police station. According to police reports, the victims gathered at a local shop on Tuesday evening and consumed illicit liquor. Upon returning home, they began experiencing symptoms like vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and vision loss. Four people succumbed to the effects during treatment, while two others were transferred to Patna in critical condition. In total, 15 people were admitted to the civil hospital in Siwan for treatment. Siwan District Magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta stated that a team has been dispatched to Madhar village to investigate the incident. He mentioned that the cause of death has not been officially determined, but the authorities are taking the matter seriously.

Legal action has been initiated against the Bhagwanpur Station House Officer (SHO) and Prohibition Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) for negligence related to the sale of illicit liquor in the area. This incident highlights a growing issue in Bihar, where the sale and consumption of alcohol were banned in 2016 by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s government. Despite the prohibition, the state has witnessed a rise in deaths due to the consumption of spurious liquor. According to recent reports, more than 150 people have died from similar incidents since the ban was enforced. Police in nearby Saran district are also investigating a suspected case of hooch poisoning. Two individuals have been hospitalized, and authorities are examining the situation to uncover further details.