From Prohibition Advocates to Smugglers? Bihar Police Arrests Four Women in Liquor Crackdown

Muzaffarpur / Patna : Four women have been arrested in Muzaffarpur for allegedly smuggling liquor into Bihar, including one who had previously campaigned for the state’s prohibition law. The arrests highlight the ongoing challenges authorities face in enforcing the liquor ban imposed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in response to demands from women across the state.

Despite the prohibition, illegal liquor trade continues to thrive, particularly during festivals such as Holi, presenting a significant challenge for law enforcement. The Bihar Police and the Excise Department have been working to curb smuggling, but demand remains high, fuelling an underground market.

In a recent crackdown, a team from the Excise Department detained four women on Station Road in Muzaffarpur. Officials said the suspects had transported liquor from Uttar Pradesh by train and were preparing to distribute it during Holi celebrations. The arrested women have been identified as Urmila Devi of Saraiyaganj Tower Chowk in Nagar, Ranju Devi of Lodipur Dheer village in Saran district, Pratima Devi of Murahi Ghat in Maker, and Rangeela Devi of Shivra in Samastipur. Authorities recovered 18 litres of foreign liquor from their possession.