Patna: Authorities in Bihar have established specialised police teams to tackle the circulation of illicit alcohol and prevent fatalities linked to toxic liquor during the Holi festival. The initiative follows an alert issued to all district superintendents of police and the formation of five operational units under the state’s prohibition enforcement framework.
The units, led by deputy superintendents of police, have been instructed to focus on areas historically associated with alcohol consumption and smuggling. Officials said hotspots have been identified based on prior incidents, and surveillance will target individuals involved in home delivery networks of illicit liquor.
Districts including Darbhanga, Samastipur, Saran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada, Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, Bhagalpur and Banka have been prioritised due to past fatalities linked to adulterated alcohol.
A directive issued by the Prohibition and State Narcotics Control Bureau noted that the likelihood of alcohol and drug consumption typically rises during Holi, heightening risks of public disorder and health crises.
Historical data underscores the severity of the issue. In 2021, 14 people died in Nawada district after consuming toxic liquor around Holi. The following year, deaths were recorded in multiple districts, including six in Bhagalpur, three in Banka, two in Siwan and one in Bettiah.
Authorities have mandated daily enforcement operations from March 1 to 6, targeting liquor suppliers, drug dealers and individuals with outstanding warrants. District police chiefs must submit daily reports of enforcement actions to the central headquarters.
The measures form part of a broader strategy by the Bihar Police to strengthen prohibition laws and mitigate health risks associated with spurious alcohol consumption.
