Motihari: At least four people have died and 15 others have fallen seriously ill in a suspected hooch tragedy in Bihar’s East Champaran district, raising fresh concerns over the illegal liquor trade in the state despite prohibition.
According to officials, the incident began in Balganga village under the Raghunathpur police station area and has since affected nearby localities. Several of the victims reportedly consumed spurious liquor on Wednesday evening, after which they started experiencing severe health complications.
Two more deaths were reported on Friday morning during treatment. The deceased have been identified as Parikshan Manjhi (46), a resident of Parsouna village under Shankar Saraiya panchayat, and Hiralal Mahto. Earlier, one death had been reported on Thursday morning and another on Thursday night, taking the toll to four.
Police said the first suspected case surfaced on Thursday morning when Chuman, a resident of Pulwa Ghat in Jaisinghpur panchayat under the Turkaulia police station area, died under suspicious circumstances. His family reportedly conducted the last rites hurriedly without informing authorities.
The suspected hooch tragedy came to light after the condition of Loha Thakur, a resident of Balganga village, deteriorated and he began losing his eyesight. Family members rushed him to Madan Raj Nursing Home for treatment, where he reportedly informed doctors that he had consumed liquor.
Following the revelation, police and district administration swung into action and began identifying others who had consumed the liquor. Those found ill were immediately shifted to hospitals for treatment.
During the course of treatment, another victim, Pramod Yadav from Parsouna village in the Turkaulia police station area, who was already unwell, also died.
Health officials said 15 people have so far been identified as victims of suspected spurious liquor consumption. The affected include Loha Thakur, Laddu Sah, Rahul Kumar, Ravindra Yadav (35) of Laxmipur Gadariya Ward 30, Dinesh Yadav (28), Umesh Ram of Parsouna village and Sampat Sah (30) of Balganga, among others.
Among the injured, three patients are reported to be in critical condition. At least six to seven victims have reportedly lost their eyesight. All the affected are undergoing treatment at different hospitals in the district.
Following the incident, police intensified action against illegal liquor networks. Acting on the directions of East Champaran Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat, multiple teams have been formed to conduct raids against liquor smugglers.
Police have arrested one suspected liquor smuggler, identified as Naga Rai. In addition, six other suspected smugglers have been detained and are being questioned.
Investigators are now trying to determine the source of the suspected spurious liquor and identify others involved in its distribution. Authorities said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
