At least seven people have died, and 14 others remain in serious condition, with six reportedly losing their eyesight, after consuming spurious liquor in Bihar’s East Champaran district, officials confirmed on Saturday. The incident has once again put spotlight on the challenges of enforcing the state’s decade-old alcohol prohibition policy.
The tragedy occurred in the Turkauliya and Raghunathpur police station areas, including Balganga village near Motihari, where victims allegedly drank illicit liquor mixed with industrial spirit or methanol on Wednesday evening and Thursday. After that, they showed symptoms like severe illness, blurred or lost vision, and rapid deterioration of health. This led to multiple deaths. Bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to confirm the exact cause, authorities said.
East Champaran District Magistrate Saurabh Jorwal and police officials reported that the death toll rose steadily over 24 hours as more victims succumbed. At least six others are still undergoing treatment at a government hospital, while some have been discharged after initial care. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Champaran Range) Har Kishore Rai confirmed the latest figures.
The deceased have been identified as Lal Kishor Rai, Laddu Sah, Parikshan Majhi, Heera Lal Bhagat, Sampat Sah, Chandu Kumar and Pramod Yadav, who had allegedly consumed spurious liquor over the past two days. The injured remain under observation of doctors in hospitals in Motihari. The critically injured are being shifted to Patna.
Police have arrested 12 people so far in the case, including a village chowkidar (watchman), and registered a murder case. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Turkauliya police station has been suspended with immediate effect. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case. Over 700 litres of toxic liquor have been seized by the police in East Champaran district.
Giving details of the logistics of the supply of the liquor, East Champaran SP Swarn Prabhat said, “Liquor mafia Kanhaiya and Raja from Piprakothi had procured the spirit and sold it to Khalifa and Sunil Shah of Parsouna. The two then supplied it further to Naga Roy and Jammu Baitha. Naga Roy distributed the liquor in the Parsouna area, while Jammu Baitha supplied it in the Balganga area. Raja, Jammu Baitha, and Naga Roy have been arrested. A large consignment of spirit has been seized and sent for chemical examination. Raids are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.”
This is the latest in a series of hooch tragedies in Bihar since the Nitish Kumar government imposed a total liquor ban in 2016. Over 350 people have reportedly died from spurious liquor consumption across the state in the past decade, despite the prohibition aimed at curbing alcohol-related issues.
Villagers say that the spurious liquor remains easily available despite the ban.
