Bihar's Hooch Tragedy Death Toll Goes Up
In Bihar, at least 25 people have lost their lives in the hooch tragedy from Saran and Siwan districts. The death toll may rise further, according to the officials as investigations have revealed that it is a case of methyl alcohol mixed with industrial spirit that caused the tragedy.
Nitish Kumar Orders Action
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar met DGP Alok Raj and officials of the excise and prohibition department at a review meeting over the urgent row related to the hooch tragedy in the state. The chief minister asked the senior officials to visit the places personally and take prompt action. He also demanded stringent measures against those who have involved in the incident.
The Special Investigating Teams are deployed
For this, two special investigative teams (SITs) have been constituted. One will investigate into local crimes involved in the incident and the other, at the instance of Patna Prohibition Department, will carry out thorough investigations into recent cases of similar incidents to prepare a strategy.
People arrested, families hope for compensation
DGP Alok Raj confirmed 12 people have been arrested in the case. Of the 25 deaths, 20 were reported in the villages of Bhagwanpur, Madhar, Khaira and Koudia in Siwan while the rest five in Saran. Nearly 50 people are still undergoing medical treatment.
In case post-mortem reports meet the required conditions, the dead's families can be paid an ex-gratia of ₹4 lakh. However, before granting such compensation, they will have to make a vow to support the liquor ban enforced by the state, says Mukul Kumar Gupta, Saran DM.
Nitish Kumar's Govt Under Attack Over Concession Made to Dead Victims' Families
Bihar's opposition leaders have flayed the state government headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the issue of liquor death which is untimely flooding the state with prohibition in it. The opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav said that the government is guilty as over 30 people have lost their lives and many have become blind because of the illicit liquor.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress leader along with MLA Ajeet Sharma have condemned in strong words the state government for rising liquor deaths. This media release has charged that there is mafia network thriving under the pretext of prohibition and rampant smuggling and sale of illigally manufactured liquors is happening.
Arvind Nishad of JDU, in defense of his government, said that the more the opposition-speaking government representatives language gets harsh, the more they come to the forefront of liquor mafia. He promised that the government, however, is serious about anti-alcohol activities and will take more serious actions henceforth.
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The latest tragedy of hooch tragedy in Bihar reminds us, once again, of the labyrinthine controversy of liquor prohibition. A liquor ban might be the best intention, but when imposed over the entire state, disastrous unintended consequences have been unleashed. The booming illicit liquor trade and frequent deaths from hooch speak well for a more targeted approach. Perhaps a partial prohibition—not statewide, but prohibition in certain areas—could help govern liquor consumption while keeping public health concerns on an even keel.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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