The death toll from the hooch tragedy in Bihar’s Siwan and Saran districts has risen to 37, officials confirmed Friday. According to a report by the Indian Express, Siwan accounts for 28 fatalities, while Saran has reported nine. As of Thursday, the death counts in these districts were 20 and five, respectively. Over a dozen individuals who ingested toxic liquor are receiving treatment at Siwan Sadar Hospital and Patna Medical College. Additionally, two deaths in Gopalganj district are also suspected to be linked to spurious liquor consumption.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar held a review meeting with the Prohibition and Excise Department on Thursday evening. An investigation led by an officer of additional director general rank is also underway. During the meeting, the CM stated, “The administration must ensure complete enforcement of liquor laws. We urge people to avoid drinking.” Siwan police have arrested ten individuals, while Saran police have apprehended 37 in connection with the case. A senior officer from Siwan told The Indian Express, “There is a similar pattern to the 2022 hooch incidents in these districts. Country-made liquor from neighboring UP is being smuggled into Saran, Siwan, and Gopalganj. All deaths are linked to the same batch.”
In 2022, 73 people lost their lives in Saran and Siwan due to illicit liquor consumption. Over the past four days, Siwan and Saran police have confiscated more than 2,000 liters of illegal liquor. Most victims were daily laborers or street vendors.
Since 2016, over 350 individuals have died from consuming spurious liquor in Bihar, predominantly in northern regions, including East Champaran, West Champaran, Saran, Siwan, and Gopalganj.