Bihar: At least 19 dead after consuming spurious liquor

Sale and consumption of alcohol was completely banned in Bihar in April 2016, a year after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar promised the same to the state's women. Implementation of the same by his government has, however, been an object of criticism by the opposition and, sometimes, by the judiciary.

Patna: At least 19 people have died allegedly due to consumption of spurious liquor in Bihar's Bhagalpur, Banka and Madhepura areas within the last few days. Police on Sunday, however, said they could only confirm the cause of death after the post-mortem reports. Four of the 19 people died in the Bhagalpur area allegedly due to spurious liquor. The deaths took place in the University Police Station area.

Four persons also died in the Bhawanipur OP Police Station Area under Navgachia Police District. At least a dozen have fallen ill following alleged consumption of spurious liquor. Three people died at Diggi village in Madhepura district, sources said. Currently, police are conducting raids in the area. As for Banka, eight people have died so far allegedly due to consumption of spurious liquor. However, the district administration is yet to confirm the cause of the deaths. Police are conducting search operations in the area.

According to sources in the district administration, one person identified as Nilesh Kumar died during treatment at Mayaganj Hospital in Bhagalpur. They further revealed that another youth Abhishek Kumar, has lost his eyesight and is currently undergoing treatment at the same hospital. Following the incident, angry villagers blocked the Sahebganj Chowk of the University police station. A large police contingent has been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward incidents. State administration officials have reached the spot and are trying to pacify the outraged locals.

Sale and consumption of alcohol were completely banned in Bihar in April 2016, a year after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar promised the same to the state's women. Implementation of the same by his government has, however, been an object of criticism by the opposition and, sometimes, by the judiciary.

Since the implementation of the prohibition in the state, according to the data of the Bihar police headquarters so far more than three lakh cases related to liquor prohibition law violations have been registered.