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Two special investigating teams (SITs) have also been formed to look into the incidents. After a detailed investigation, both teams will file reports. Based on the findings, a plan of action will be devised.
People being treated after the consumption of suspected spurious liquor, in Bihar’s Saran, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. (PTI Photo)
New Delhi: Bihar has been rocked by yet another hooch tragedy, in which at least 25 people have lost their lives in Saran and Siwan districts. The victims consumed spurious liquor, which killed them. Officials said that the death toll is likely to mount. According to initial probe, methyl alcohol was mixed with industrial spirit, which turned out to be fatal.
Looking at the gravity of the incident, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened a high-level meeting to review the situation. The meeting was held with DGP Alok Raj and Excise and Prohibition department authorities. Nitish Kumar instructed the top officials to pay visit to the site and make an assessment of the situation. He also issued directions to the DGP to nail those behind the hooch deaths.
Two SITs set up, action plan to be readied
DGP Alok Raj was quoted as saying by PTI that two special investigating teams (SITs) have also been formed. The team set up at the local level will look into the criminal activities related with the latest incident. Another team has been formed by the Department of Prohibition in Patna which will conduct a detailed study of all such incidents that have occurred in the recent past. On the basis of the findings, a plan of action will be chalked out, the top cop pointed out.
Speaking to the media, DGP Alok Raj said that as many as 25 people have been killed after consumption of illicit liquor. He added that 12 people have been arrested for their involvement in the hooch deaths. A total of 49 people are still being treated. A total of 20 people lost their lives in Bhagwanpur, Madhar, Khaira, and Koudia in Siwan, while five fatalities were reported in Saran. Saran DM Mukul Kumar Gupta pointed out that the relatives and family members of the victims will have to vow that they would back the liquor ban imposed by the state government.
Opposition questions impact of liquor ban
Hitting out at the Nitish Kumar and the BJP alliance government in the state, the opposition questioned the impact of the liquor ban in Bihar amid the growing cases of liquor-related deaths.
Tejashwi Yadav, Leader of Opposition, underlined that more than 30 people have been killed and several others lost their vision, however, the CM has not even showed his condolence so far. “This is murder. There’s no end to such incidents as liquor is available everywhere and the mafia has shield,” he added.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra flayed the NDA government over the hooch deaths, pointing out that a liquor ban is in effect in the state but illegal trade of illicit liquor is prevalent. Congress MLA Ajeet Sharma lamented the nexus working in the state and the mafiosi that has developed a parallel economy by smuggling and trade of illicit liquor.
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