At least 15 individuals have lost their lives, and several others have been hospitalized due to the consumption of what is believed to be spurious liquor in Bihar’s Saran and Siwan districts. The latest incident marks yet another dark chapter in the state’s history, where, despite a prohibition since 2016, such tragedies continue to occur with alarming frequency.
The tragedy unfolded over the last few days, with reports indicating that the victims, mostly young men, consumed the liquor at various locations within the two districts.
According to relatives and local police, the liquor was sourced from a village in Siwan, known for its bootlegging activities. The exact substance consumed remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest the liquor was mixed with highly toxic chemicals, leading to the fatal outcomes.
Government Response
The district administrations of both Saran and Siwan have reacted, with law enforcement agencies arresting several suspects involved in the liquor trade.
The Siwan police have suspended the in-charge of a police station, and Saran police have issued a show cause notice to another, indicating a crackdown on local enforcement’s oversight.
Hospitals in Siwan, Saran, and Patna have been dealing with the aftermath, with symptoms among the survivors including severe stomach pain, nausea, and vision impairment. The sudden influx of patients has strained medical resources, with some critical cases being referred to better-equipped facilities in Patna.
Bihar’s Prohibition Paradox
Bihar’s prohibition policy, instituted to curb alcohol-related social issues, has paradoxically led to an underground market thriving on illicit and often lethal brews.
Since the ban, more than 150 people have died in similar incidents, highlighting the failure of prohibition to eliminate alcohol consumption entirely. Instead, it has driven the liquor trade underground, often with deadly consequences due to the unregulated nature of the bootlegged alcohol.