Two villagers died in the Darbhanga district of Bihar on Monday with two more falling severely ill after reportedly consuming spurious liquor. The incident has raised concerns about the enforcement of Bihar’s strict prohibition laws on alcoholic beverages.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police Avakash Kumar, all the victims were residents of Rustampur village. Family members have alleged that the deceased individuals, Santosh Das and Bhukhla Sahni, consumed spurious liquor on Sunday, which led to their deaths on Monday evening, PTI reported.
Post-mortem examinations could not be conducted as their bodies were already cremated. Investigations are ongoing and authorities are in the process of recording statements of the family members.
Laltun Sahni and Arjun Das, who were reported to have also consumed the liquor and are currently receiving medical treatment at different hospitals, will provide statements to the police.
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“Based on their testimony, people who are responsible for the production and distribution of spurious alcohol business will be tracked,” the SSP said, PTI reported.
Since the Nitish Kumar government’s move in April 2016, the Bihar government claims to have maintained a strict ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
(With inputs from PTI)