On Thursday, 20 individuals tragically lost their lives in Siwan after consuming spurious liquor, according to Siwan Superintendent of Police Amitesh Kumar. In response, Chapra Superintendent Kumar Ashish announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Three arrests have been made, and an FIR has been filed against eight individuals. Additionally, the local Chowkidar and Panchayat Beat Police officers have been suspended, and an explanation has been requested from the SHO of Masrak Police Station and the Masrak Zone ALTF regarding departmental actions. Legal proceedings are also being initiated against the Bhagwanpur SHO and the Prohibition ASI of the Bhagwanpur Police Station, as stated by District Magistrate Mukul Kumar Gupta.
In a related incident, four more people died from consuming spurious liquor in Saran district. An SIT has been established, and an FIR has been lodged against eight individuals, with three already arrested, according to Chhapra SP Kumar Ashish.
A relative of one of the deceased recounted that his family member’s health began to decline after consuming alcohol on October 15, leading to hospitalization.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing. Meanwhile, the opposition RJD has criticized the Nitish Kumar government, questioning how spurious liquor remains available despite the state’s prohibition. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari expressed concern over the repeated fatalities during festivals like Holi and Diwali due to spurious liquor, attributing the issue to the government’s alleged protection of liquor mafias. He emphasized that as long as such protection exists, violations of the prohibition law will continue unabated.