In a tragic turn of events, the death toll from the recent hooch tragedy in Bihar has risen to 35, with 10 more deaths reported from Siwan and Saran districts. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across the state, was confirmed by the Press Trust of India (PTI) on Friday. The majority of the fatalities, 28 in total, occurred in Siwan, while seven people lost their lives in Saran.
According to local sources, the situation remains critical for 25 more individuals who are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals in Siwan, Saran, and Patna. As per reports, their condition is severe, and the authorities are closely monitoring their health.
Special Investigation Teams Formed
In response to the tragedy, Bihar’s Director General of Police (DGP), Alok Raj, announced the formation of two Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to look into the matter. So far, 15 people have been arrested in connection with the illegal sale and distribution of the toxic liquor. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Political Tensions Rise
The hooch deaths have sparked significant political controversy in the state. Opposition parties have strongly criticized Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his handling of the liquor prohibition policy in Bihar, blaming his government for the incident. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has gone so far as to call the tragedy a “massacre” and accused the state government of failing to implement the alcohol ban effectively.
Tejashwi Yadav stated, “This is a case of mass murder. The liquor ban in Bihar has completely failed. The Nitish Kumar government is responsible for this tragedy.” His remarks have fueled the ongoing political debate over the effectiveness of Bihar’s prohibition law, which was implemented in 2016 to curb the consumption of alcohol but has faced criticism over enforcement issues.
Bihar’s Liquor Prohibition and Its Challenges
Bihar’s prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol has been in place for nearly eight years, but incidents like these continue to raise questions about the effectiveness of the policy. The sale of illicit liquor remains a persistent problem, with many bootleggers taking advantage of the demand for alcohol to sell toxic concoctions. Despite the government’s efforts to crack down on the illegal liquor trade, enforcement challenges persist, and tragedies like these continue to occur.
Government’s Response
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, while expressing grief over the deaths, assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the hooch supply. He also reaffirmed his commitment to the prohibition policy, stating that the government would not tolerate any violation of the law.
The state’s opposition, however, remains firm in its stance, accusing the government of failing to protect its citizens. With political tensions rising and public anger growing, the hooch tragedy is likely to remain a significant issue in Bihar’s political landscape in the coming weeks.
As Bihar reels from the devastating hooch tragedy, the focus now shifts to the investigation and the political fallout that has emerged in its wake. With 35 lives lost and several more in critical condition, the tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the state’s prohibition policy and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.