According to reports from Dainik Bhaskar, attendees purchased the alcohol in polyethylene pouches, each containing 50 ml. Shortly after consumption, many began experiencing severe health issues, including vision impairment and difficulty breathing. Local residents claim the death toll could exceed 30, predominantly affecting individuals from the Saran and Siwan districts. As of now, 20 deaths have been confirmed in Siwan and five in Saran.
Authorities have arrested 12 individuals in connection with the incident, including nine from Siwan and three from Saran. Initial investigations revealed that industrial spirit had been mixed with the alcohol, rendering it toxic. The police have seized and destroyed 13,500 liters of this dangerous concoction. Furthermore, disciplinary actions have been initiated against several local police officials due to negligence in preventing this tragedy.
The former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, criticized the state government, claiming that the alcohol ban exists only on paper. He stated that the continuous occurrence of such incidents highlights a failure in enforcement and that the individuals who died were effectively murdered by the state’s negligence.
In response, Bihar’s government officials, including Minister Nitin Naveen, have assured that the situation is being taken seriously. They promise accountability for those responsible and emphasize that strict actions will be taken against any involved officers. BJP leader Shah Nawaz Hussain expressed sorrow over the deaths, reiterating the need for stricter enforcement of the alcohol ban and a crackdown on alcohol mafia and smugglers.
Saran District Magistrate Aman Sameer stated that further action will depend on the results of post-mortem examinations, which will confirm whether the deaths were indeed caused by the consumption of alcohol. Families of the deceased will be provided compensation of ₹4 lakh once the post-mortem reports validate the cause of death.
This incident sheds light on the broader issue of alcohol prohibition in Bihar, raising critical questions about enforcement, accountability, and the underlying challenges of a thriving black market. As the investigation unfolds, the state grapples with the harsh realities of prohibition and the impact it has on its citizens.
