Bihar’s Deadly Hooch: Four Dead, Several Hospitalised in Chhapra, Siwan

Chhapra: Four people have died and five remain in critical condition after consuming spurious liquor in the Saran and Siwan districts of Bihar. The victims, all of whom reportedly consumed country-made alcohol, were admitted to local hospitals, where they are undergoing treatment. Three of the deaths occurred in Siwan, while one was reported in Saran.

Two of the affected individuals are receiving care at Chhapra Sadar Hospital, where it has been confirmed that both have lost their eyesight. Mumtaz Ansari, one of the patients admitted, recounted his experience, saying, “My brother gave me the alcohol. It was country-made liquor, though I don’t know where he got it from. Since last night, after drinking, my health has worsened and I’ve lost my vision.”

Assistant Superintendent of Police Dr. Rakesh commented on the case, stating that preliminary investigations have revealed that three individuals drank the liquor late at night, after which their health deteriorated rapidly. “We are still investigating what exactly was consumed, but nothing conclusive has been found yet,” he said.

Dr. Navneet, who is treating the patients, added, “They are experiencing breathing difficulties, and one patient mentioned seeing blurred images. While the precise cause is not yet known, the situation is under control for now.”

Another victim, Shamshad Ansari, who is also receiving treatment at Chhapra, said he drank the liquor during a family gathering on Monday night. “My brother was having a liquor party, and I joined in. I don’t know where the alcohol came from.”

Meanwhile, Ram Shankar Sah, the station officer at Bhagwanpur Haat in Siwan, confirmed that deaths had occurred under suspicious circumstances in the villages of Kaudiya and Maghar. “It’s being said that they consumed poisonous liquor. Post-mortem examinations of two victims were conducted today, and the families performed the last rites for two others yesterday. The investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Incidents of toxic liquor poisoning are a recurring issue in Bihar, where prohibition has been in place since 2016. The illicit production of country liquor, often laced with harmful chemicals to increase its potency, continues to claim lives. Raw alcohol is typically made by fermenting jaggery and syrup, which is then buried in the soil. Additives like urea, oxytocin, and other chemicals are sometimes introduced to boost the intoxicating effect, turning the liquor deadly.