Tragic Hooch Incident Claims Lives in Bihar's East Champaran

Hooch Tragedy in Bihar

Patna, April 3: A suspected hooch tragedy has unfolded in East Champaran district of Bihar, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and leaving over a dozen others ill after consuming toxic liquor. This incident has sparked widespread panic among the local population.

Reports indicate that several villagers ingested what is believed to be spurious liquor in Balganga village, located within the jurisdiction of the Turkauliya police station, on Wednesday evening. The deceased have been identified as Pramod Yadav, Chandu Kumar, Parishan Manjhi, and another individual.

An FIR for murder has been filed against a suspect named Naga Rai, who has been apprehended by local law enforcement. He is thought to be the supplier of the illicit liquor to the villagers.

Eyewitnesses claim that the liquor was mixed with industrial spirit, resulting in severe health issues. Victims experienced symptoms such as agitation, severe headaches, vomiting, and extreme fatigue shortly after consumption.

In a particularly alarming case, one victim reportedly lost his sight in both eyes as his condition worsened. Another affected individual, Loha Thakur, recounted that he consumed the liquor with friends, mistakenly believing it to be regular alcohol.

“We assumed it was standard liquor, but it turned out to be mixed with spirit. Now, one of my friends has lost his eyesight, and I am feeling unwell,” he stated.

Due to fears of legal repercussions under prohibition laws, some villagers are reportedly seeking medical assistance in secret, avoiding public healthcare facilities.

Local medical professionals have cautioned that toxic substances like methanol, commonly found in counterfeit liquor, can be deadly or cause irreversible harm, including blindness.

Meanwhile, rumors of additional fatalities have heightened anxiety in the region. However, local officials, including ward councillor Ramashankar Thakur, have stated that while many individuals are ill, the official confirmation of deaths is still pending verification.

This incident has brought back memories of a significant hooch tragedy in Motihari approximately two and a half years ago, which resulted in 42 fatalities.

Despite the prohibition laws in Bihar, incidents involving spurious liquor continue to pose a serious threat, raising urgent concerns about illegal alcohol distribution networks and enforcement shortcomings.