Ten more people died after allegedly consuming illicit liquor in Bihar's Siwan and Saran districts, raising the total number of fatalities to 35. Pics/ PTI
Updated On: 2024-10-18 01:31 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
In Siwan district, 28 people have died in Maghar and Auriya panchayats, while seven deaths have occurred in Saran's Ibrahimpur area under Mashrakh police station.
Over 25 people from both districts are still critically ill and undergoing treatment at hospitals in Siwan, Saran, and Patna districts.
Two Special Investigating Teams (SITs) have been set up, one to look into the criminal activities behind the incident, and another by the Department of Prohibition in Patna to study past occurrences of illicit liquor deaths. So far, 15 people have been arrested.
The local administration has suspended three village watchmen (chowkidars) from Maghar, Auriya, and Ibrahimpur for negligence in enforcing the liquor ban.
The suspected hooch tragedy has sparked political tensions, with opposition parties questioning the effectiveness of Bihar's liquor ban, implemented by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar eight years ago.
The exact cause of death can only be confirmed after autopsy reports are received, though the deaths are suspected to be linked to the consumption of spurious liquor.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has ordered the Director General of Police (DGP) to closely monitor the investigation and ensure strict action against those responsible.